The Sircilla handloom industry has found much-needed relief as the Tamil Nadu government continues its annual tradition of placing bulk orders for Pongal sarees, popularly known as ‘Amma Sarees.’ This initiative has provided a lifeline to the weavers, who faced challenges due to the suspension of the Bathukamma saree program in Telangana.
The Tamil Nadu government has been supporting Siricilla weavers for over 15 years, starting with an initial order of one lakh meters of fabric. Today, the orders have scaled up significantly, reaching a staggering two crore meters. The sarees, which are distributed during the Sankranti (Pongal) festival, are part of the state’s welfare program. Along with sarees, Panche and Sella garments for men are also procured in large quantities from Siricilla.
This year, 30 lakh sarees are being produced on approximately 3,000 looms, with workers crafting sarees in 40 vibrant colors, each measuring 5.5 meters. Around two lakh meters of fabric are being produced daily and transported to Tamil Nadu in phases to meet the deadline.
The large-scale order has created a significant boost for the local economy, providing employment to nearly 1,000 people. From weaving and warping to packing and logistics, various skilled and unskilled workers have found consistent work. The workers report earning Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 13,000 per month, a stable income that has revitalized their livelihoods.