The river Godavari flows through Andhra Pradesh through the most scenic route. Take a launch ride to Papi Kondalu and have lunch served as you watch the changing scenery. The river stands witness to a lot of history and supports its people and their craft selflessly.
The Gods manifest in many places for the sake of devotees. If the location is between the two holiest of rivers, Krishna and Godavari, one must visit the sacred temple of Dwaraka Tirumala near Eluru. Also stretching across two districts is Kolleru Lake with Atapaka bird and wildlife sanctuary, the backwaters, Polavaram multi-purpose irrigation project spanning east and west Godavari districts are some exciting places.
Achanta, Velpuru, Ramachandrapuram, and Dagguluru are the weaving clusters of this region. Some places associated with weaving in this district are Bhimavaram, Palakollu, Veeravasaram, Vemavaram, Attihili, Penumanchili etc.
Mahatma Gandhi described Bhimavaram as the ‘second Bardoli of India’ when he visited during the freedom struggle due to the people’s uprising for independence. Here the weavers’ handloom society weaves shirting material, lungies and towels.
Kotilingeshwara cooperative society, Palakolu is famous for weaving silk and cotton turbans marketed in Hyderabad and Karnataka. It is the only place that makes silk turbans in the country. They also produce shirting material, towels and buti sarees in 60/80 and 80/80 count.
Veeravasaram and Vemavaram make navar or tapes which are used for cots. Vemavaram also weaves shirting material in 60/40 count and annamayya dhovaties.
The pandemic has not spared anyone over the past two years, and the weavers of West Godavari are yet to pick up and move on. Mohan Rao of Vemavaram HWCS told our members that their weavers can weave jamdani in cotton, kuttu borders. All they need is support, and quality is guaranteed.
Contact details
Mohan Rao (Vemavaram)
9963286191
