Master weaver Sanjeeva Shettigar wins State-level award

Mangaluru: Sanjeeva Shettigar of Talipady Weavers Society has been honored with the prestigious second-place State level award for his outstanding excellence in cotton saree weaving. Shettigar’s incredible talent is a rarity, as he is one of only ten ’80 count’ Udupi Saree weavers in the DK and Udupi districts.

With dexterity and artistry, Shettigar weaves enchanting ‘buttas’ by hand, elevating the beauty of ’80 count’ Udupi Sarees. His innovative spirit shines through as he became the first in the history of Udupi Saree to craft naturally dyed 80 count Udupi Saree and reintroduced the ikat design after a 20-year hiatus with the support of ikat Designer Gopinath Shettigar and Kadike Trust at Talipady.

Beyond his extraordinary weaving skills, Sanjeeva Shettigar possesses a unique technique of joining two warps using just one hand, a spectacle to behold. A cheerful and generous mentor, he wholeheartedly shares his amazing skills with young trainees.

Having returned to Talipady Weavers Society after the successful revival project by Kadike Trust,  Shettigar effortlessly weaves traditional and contemporary sarees, adjusting colors to complement the designs and demands, creating multiple design sarees from a single warp.

The prestigious award will be conferred during the National Handloom Day celebrations on August 7 at Bengaluru.