In an extraordinary showcase of artistry and skill, a team of 900 artisans hailing from Uttar Pradesh has meticulously crafted exquisite hand-knotted carpets for the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers in the new Parliament building. Spanning an astounding “10 lakh man-hours” of dedication, these carpets beautifully embody the fusion of Indian traditions and national symbols.
Leading this ambitious endeavor is Obeetee Carpets, a renowned Indian company with a century-old legacy. With meticulous craftsmanship, the skilled weavers individually created over 150 carpets for both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. These carpets were ingeniously combined into a single, semi-circular shape that harmonized with the architectural design of each House, covering an impressive area of 35,000 square feet.
Rudra Chatterjee, Chairman of Obeetee Carpets, shed light on the challenges faced by the design team. The immense size of each hall required carpets spanning up to 17,500 square feet, presenting a significant hurdle for the artisans. Meticulous construction of the carpets in sections and seamless merging were paramount, ensuring the weavers’ artistic expertise resulted in a unified carpet capable of withstanding high foot traffic.
The color schemes chosen for the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha carpets pay tribute to the vibrant elements of Indian culture. The Rajya Sabha carpet draws inspiration from the rich shade of kokum red, while the Lok Sabha carpet showcases the magnificent Indian agave green, embellished with motifs inspired by the plumes of the Indian peacock.
The intricacy of the carpets is evident in the weaving process, which involved an impressive “120 knots per square inch.” In total, the weavers painstakingly crafted over 600 million knots, a testament to their skill and unwavering commitment.
Hailing from the Bhadohi and Mirzapur districts of Uttar Pradesh, these talented weavers poured their heart and soul into the project. Beginning in September 2021 and concluding in May 2022, the weaving process consumed a staggering “10 lakh man-hours” to carpet both the Upper and Lower Houses of the new Parliament building.
It is noteworthy that the project commenced during the challenging times of 2020, amid the global pandemic. Despite the hurdles, the weaving process persevered, and the installation of the carpets began in November 2022. Each carpet, with its high density of 120 knots per square inch, took approximately seven months to complete, underscoring the meticulous attention to detail and care infused into their creation.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the new Parliament building, these magnificent carpets will not only grace the floors but also serve as symbols of India’s rich heritage and the remarkable skills of its artisans. The fusion of traditional craftsmanship and national symbolism within the carpets stands as a testament to the country’s cultural tapestry and artistic excellence.