Gangtok: Lepcha weave has become a centre of attraction for foreign and domestic visitors, including G20 delegates.
The exhibition showcasing Sikkimese culture, here at MG Marg has been put up welcoming the G20 delegates.
Wild Stinging Nettle (Bichu buti in hindi and Shishnu in Nepali language) grows in abundance in
North Sikkim and anywhere it gets space and was earlier used for clothing, besides cotton weave.
State-level exhibition, with the most amazing Stinging Nettle fabric, boasts of huge crowds, having seen it for the first time, also admitted by foreigners. The traditional nettle weave is being focused on again by the Lepcha tribals of Dzongu, North Sikkim Stinging Nettle fibre is turned into the chord and subsequently woven by both men and women.
The exhibited items include Jackets, bags, belts and dress material. Nettle plant gives a real stinging sensation when touched with bare hands, but once processed and turned into fabric, it gets soft.
Other multicoloured Lepcha weave, used by tribals of Dzongu, is also on display. Different designs on it symbolizing natural elements portray the unique culture initiated by their forefathers.
The G20 delegates have an opportunity to get a feel of India’s indigenous Lepcha tribe’s cotton weave, through the ongoing demonstration by artisans.
Minister for Culture Kunga Nima Lepcha visited the weaving spot.
‘In a bid to promote artisans we have put up demonstration on wooden and iron looms here.It was a great task to bring these all the way from our centre and fix up here for G20 exhibition,’ said Binita Thapa Director Handloom & Handicrafts.
The exhibition is scheduled to go on till 20th March 23.
