The rhythmic clatter of looms fills a weavers' neighbourhood near Dhaka, where artisans use colourful silk and cotton threads to create the iconic Tangail saree. Named after a central Bangladesh district, this handloom garment is a cultural symbol, worn during festivals and weddings across the Indian subcontinent.
The centuries-old weaving tradition has been nominated for inclusion in Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list this year. Each saree blends tradition and craftsmanship, with designs and motifs rooted in local culture. Men typically dye yarn, weave fabric, and create patterns, while women spin threads on wheels.
The Tangail saree is not only a cultural icon but also a livelihood for hundreds of weaver families. However, rising raw material costs and competition from cheaper machine-woven fabrics have led to waning interest among younger generations in continuing the family vocation.
Handloom weavers hope that Unesco recognition will help preserve their craft for future generations, ensuring that this centuries-old art form survives the challenges of modernisation.
