Innovative Approach in the Use of Traditional Aangi of Haryana

Abstract

Traditional choliof Haryana,locally known as aangi,is rare to be seen in today’s time. This upper garment was worn by women before the adoption of kurta. It was tied at back with two pairs of strings and worn by teaming with daaman. It was usually stitched by using ten to twelve pieces of fabric. Aangis were usually multicolored as these were made from various leftover fabric pieces available at home. That is why they sometimes lacked any symmetry of colour. These different pieces were joined together by finishing the seams with magji, rick-rack, gotta or embroidery to give it a unified look. A lot oftime was spent in preparation and decoration of this attire. Aangi was a highly intricate garment depicting the talent of women in this craft. The present study was conducted to assess the market potential of this traditional choli of Haryana in thismodern era.For this purposeanaangiblouse was constructed by the researcher in which constructional features of the traditional aangiwere incorporated. Cotton blend fabrics of yellow, red and blue colours were used as base material while herring bone stitch and mirrors were used for embellishmentas per experts’ suggestions. The aangiblousewas assessed for marketability by 200 respondents including Indian as well as foreign visitors and stall owners/exporters in the International Trade Fair, Delhi. Acceptability of aangiblouse was found to be excellent on all parameters i.e., traditional value (WMS 3.89), aesthetic appeal (WMS 3.75), workmanship (WMS 3.69), colour combination (WMS 3.67), utility (WMS 3.64) uniqueness (WMS 3.57) and fabric (WMS 3.41). On an average acceptability was found to be excellent.This aangiblouse can be teamed with a transparent saree for creating a unique style statement.Some respondents suggested to modify aangi as top or to use original form of aangi under transparent top.