Shantipore Saree Craft
Santipore Sarees
Centuries of cotton craft - a tradition woven into our roots.
Nadia District · Santipur Weaving TraditionSantipore Sarees represent one of Bengal's oldest handloom weaving traditions and received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition in 2008. The weaving town of Santipur in Nadia district has been an important textile centre for centuries, historically producing fine cotton fabrics that were widely traded across the Indian subcontinent. The craft flourished under Mughal patronage and later developed into a prominent weaving cluster during the colonial period. In recent decades, the nearby weaving clusters of Phulia in Nadia district have also emerged as centres producing textiles closely associated with the Santipore weaving tradition.
Enduring Craft
These sarees are woven using cotton yarns that produce breathable fabrics suited to the humid climate of eastern India. The weaving process involves yarn preparation, dyeing, warping and handloom weaving using traditional looms. The weaving community continues to preserve this heritage craft through generations of knowledge transmission. Textile historians recognise Santipore weaving as an important continuation of Bengal's historic cotton weaving tradition.
Textile historians recognise Santipore weaving as an important continuation of Bengal's historic cotton weaving tradition.
Working with artisans here feels less like business and more like returning to our roots, making this weaving community truly a home setup for BONGONIKETAN.
At BONGONIKETAN, we work closely with artisans and master artisans through every stage of production from yarn procurement and spinning to dyeing, weaving and final polishing ensuring that each textile reflects the authenticity and precision of Bengal's handloom heritage. Through these collaborations we create a variety of handwoven products including pure cotton sarees, suit fabrics and other textile creations. The time required to weave a piece varies depending on the complexity of the design. Simple designs may take about one day to weave, while more intricate patterns can require several weeks of meticulous handloom work.
Interestingly, this district holds a special place in our journey. We belong to this Nadia region and our connection with handloom weaving goes back generations through stories, traditions and a deep appreciation for the craft. Working with artisans here feels less like business and more like returning to our roots, making this weaving community truly a home setup for BONGONIKETAN.
Protected 2008
GI Location: Nadia District, West Bengal, India
GI Registration Year: 2008
GI Source: Geographical Indications Registry, Intellectual Property India, Government of India
