Handloom Artisans of Panipat

29.3358° N, 76.9845° E

“Every thread holds a memory, every weave carries a legacy.”

In the historic city of Panipat, weaving is not just a craft — it is the language of the land. Known as the “City of Weavers,” Panipat has long been home to some of India’s most cherished textiles: rugs, durries, and blankets that blend warmth, function, and quiet beauty. Here, weaving is a way of life, passed down through generations like a treasured inheritance.

Once sought after by royal households for their handwoven furnishings, Panipat’s textiles have always carried an air of understated luxury. Today, that legacy continues in workshops and village homes, where artisans work patiently at their looms, translating centuries of knowledge into pieces that feel timeless in modern spaces.

Sewah Village: The Heart of the Loom

Just beyond Panipat’s bustle lies Sewah, a village where weaving binds families, neighbors, and generations together. In many homes, the loom sits at the center of daily life. Men and women work side by side, each generation learning from the last, ensuring the patterns, techniques, and rhythm of the craft are never lost.

Textiles from Sewah are known for their dependable quality and character. Using traditional handloom methods, artisans create bold geometrics, subtle stripes, and textured surfaces, often pairing them with rich, earthy tones or naturally dyed hues. Every weave is built thread by thread, reflecting both skill and instinct — a balance of discipline and creativity that has defined Panipat’s textile heritage for centuries.

Tradition in a Changing World

With the rise of mechanized mills and synthetic fibers, Panipat’s handweavers have faced growing challenges. Mass-produced textiles often undercut the time, care, and cost that true handloom work requires. Yet, despite these pressures, many artisans continue to hold fast to their craft, choosing to preserve what makes their work unique: authenticity, durability, and soul.

Their resilience lies in a quiet confidence — a belief that there will always be a place for textiles that feel human, intentional, and lasting. As global interest in handcrafted, sustainable design grows, Panipat’s weavers are once again finding audiences who value the integrity behind each piece.

Community, Craft, and Continuity

For the artisans of Panipat, weaving is deeply communal. Techniques are shared openly, patterns discussed over tea, and festivals often revolve around textiles and trade. Many describe the act of weaving as meditative — a steady, grounding rhythm that links past to present and one generation to the next.

Today, support from government programs, cooperatives, and conscious brands is helping Panipat’s weavers access new markets and fairer opportunities. This not only sustains livelihoods, but also protects an irreplaceable cultural legacy.

At GAURI KOHLI, we are honored to collaborate with the weavers of Sewah and Panipat. Together, we bring their work to homes around the world — rugs, throws, and textiles that carry the touch of the artisan and the story of a city woven into every thread.