Weavers begin Pongal-season production; pre-orders open for festive sarees and dhotis

Handloom weavers in Rasipuram have started production for the Pongal season, nearly three months ahead of the January festival. Looms in the town's weaving streets are busy with silk sarees in bright festive shades, cotton sarees and white dhotis with gold and coloured borders. Weavers said demand for lightweight silk sarees priced between ₹4,500 and ₹9,000 has grown, as many families buy them as Pongal gifts. A traditional silk saree with a broad zari border takes eight to twelve days to weave by hand. The Rasipuram Silk Weavers Co-operative Society and several private showrooms have opened pre-orders for custom colours and border designs, with delivery promised before the first week of January. Buyers ordering in bulk for families, offices or functions are advised to book before the end of November, as looms are usually fully booked in December.