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Women at work in Pallaipakkam village. Photo: M. Karunakaran

Ari embroidery is a way of life for many village dwellers in Sriperumbudur. Not many know that in and around this town, the art of Ari embroidery is being carried on for perhaps 100 years. A look at this intricate craft and its creators.

The fabric is stretched out tight on the frames. Seated on the ground and bent over the embroidery frames are men and women who carry on a communion with the fabric. Their needles dart with lightning speed as they rapidly pierce the cloth embedding their delicate stitches on it. Their fingers work in perfect unison and soon, beautiful colours and designs begin to emerge. Floral borders and abstract shapes materialise, sometimes with only the help of colourful thread but often embellished with sequins, beads, wire and crystals.

Kanchipuram is synonymous with silk weaving. But not many know that in and around Sriperumbudur near Kanchipuram, the art of Ari embroidery is being carried on for perhaps 100 years. In nearly 40 villages in the area, men and women are employed in executing the intricate hand embroidery, as a means of livelihood. With agriculture no longer an option, they are either engaged in the embroidery or take up jobs in factories.

The long frames, or “kattils” as they are known for they resemble cots, are set up in their homes or even out in the open under the trees. The orders come from textile shops in Chennai as well as boutiques. They also come from Gujarat and other parts of the country. Ari's fame has spread across the shores and it is sought after in Egypt and Sudan; special wedding saris are commissioned by outlets in Sri Lanka......

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