Sonpur: In a unique tribute to Swabhaba Kabi Gangadhar Meher, veteran weaver Shiba Shankar Meher has woven a Sambalpuri silk saree inspired by the poet’s celebrated epic Tapaswini.
The 73-year-old weaver from Sagar pali village in Subarnapur district has named the creation Baunsharani, which has now become a talking point among handloom enthusiasts. The saree’s anchal features an intricate Baunsharani motif, while verses from Tapaswini have been woven into its design in fine lettering.
The body of the saree resembles a traditional palm-leaf manuscript, carrying five excerpts from the epic. The painstaking craftsmanship has transformed the saree into more than a garment–a living tribute to Odisha’s literary and weaving heritage.
Shiba Shankar, who has been weaving for nearly 60 years, said the idea of creating such an unusual saree had occurred to him about a decade ago. However, he could not proceed for want of proper guidance.
National-level tie-and-dye craft guru Prafulla Meher later encouraged him and helped develop the concept and design. The entire process, from dyeing the yarn to completing the saree, took nearly eight months. Meher was assisted by family members and two fellow weavers. The actual weaving alone took about 15 days.
Using sandalwood and black shades, the saree showcases the fine precision of Sambal puri handloom. Despite his advancing age, Meher remains committed to introducing new ideas while preserving the region’s rich weaving tradition.