Chhunchi, a startup based in Pune, is committed to promoting India’s often neglected textile heritage by launching genuine Pochampally silk sarees from Telangana. These handloom creations embody the time-honored beauty and intricate artistry of traditional Indian weaving. A Pochampally saree is more than just a piece of fabric; it represents a demanding process where threads are carefully crafted into a detailed design. Chhunchi seeks to highlight this remarkable yet frequently overlooked handloom craft. The Pochampally saree, a classic Indian textile, maintains its core values and weaving sentiments despite the evolution of artistic expressions over the years.
While some accounts trace its origins to the 1800s, the most significant advancements in this craft took place in the 1950s within the village cluster around Bhoodan, Pochampally, Telangana. It is believed that the weaving tradition was introduced by migrating weavers from Chirala, known locally as “Chit-Ku,” who taught local artisans, resulting in many villages embracing the craft. Initially, the creation of these exquisite sarees depended on silk and cotton sourced from other states. In the early stages, the color palette was restricted to red, black, and white. By 1999, weaving Pochampally silk sarees had expanded significantly, involving nearly 100 villages and around 10,000 families. This broad acceptance and high quality earned Pochampally the title of the