Taant (pronounced like Rajinikanth) represents the weaving artistry and craftsmanship of both the Bengals. It was encouraged and made famous by the Moghuls. Taant sarees are the traditional sarees of Bengal. Woven from cotton threads, these sarees are known for being light and comfortable—perfect for hot and humid Indian summers. The weaver masters of Bengal never had to look very far from their e
veryday lives for inspiration for themes and motifs. Even today Taants tell stories of the half moon, blue sky, twinkling stars, elephants, fish scales, and flowers swaying in the breeze. The bumble bee (Bhomra) is a popular motif and his many adventures are well-documented over centuries, in yards and yards of exquisite cotton. Bhomra - Stories of Taant
Some of my fondest memories of Taant are of Ma beautifully draped in the lightest of Bengal cottons. Then there was my Nani Ma’s sari which I used as a ‘shurshuri kapod’ (comforter) when I was little. It was the softest, most beautiful bundle of Taant, worn out over years of me falling asleep wrapped in it—finding indescribable comfort with my face buried in it’s gentle cotton folds and familiar scent. Many an afternoon melted into evening with my mother and aunts, all draped in their lovely cottons, immersed in conversation about everything and nothing. My wedding (still a couple of decades away at that point) came up in these discussions every once in a while. Young as I may have been, the thought of donning gorgeous saris—maybe a yellow and red border Taant for gaye holud, a typical red and white Dhakai for my aiburobhaat, a delicious lime green Tangail for one of the other days—filled me with excitement and anticipation. Visits to Meera Basu, one of the oldest sari stores in Kolkata, one that my Dida (paternal grandmother) frequented, were a sort of family ritual. Every quest for saris for Durga Puja, weddings and other occasions was an opportunity to revel in the riot of colours; to get lost in the warp and weft of the Tangails, Dhakais, and other Taants in store; and to be mesmerised by the little butis, elegant paisley, pretty floral, and adventurous bumble bee motifs. To this day these beautiful weaves of Bengal are an integral part of every Bengali and probashi Bengali woman’s wardrobe. Although nowadays these 6 yards of cotton loveliness mostly see the light of day only on special occasions. The idea for Bhomra—the adventurous little bumble bee—was born from my desire to celebrate Taant by bring its unassuming elegance, lightness and simplicity back into our everyday lives, while also introducing these fine weaves to others with appreciation for such artistry. Bhomra brings Taant in to our everyday wardrobes in the form of modern, stylish and comfortable clothing; and in to our homes in the form of unique accessories and décor. Through these cotton creations, I share with you stories and memories of my childhood, and pay tribute to the weaving families blessed with such craftsmanship.
