Markets for Puanchei

The puan fabrics enjoy a thriving market within their local Mizo community

Dastkari Haat Samiti

Dastkari Haat Samiti

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Bada Bazaar Central open space (2019-06-25)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Puan Cloth in Bada Bazaar, Aizawl

The main market in Aizawl is the Bada Bazaar which has a large area selling the Puan cloth. Various shops sell products like bags and home linen made from the cloth as well as other souvenir and handicraft products. The products are also sent to cities like Kolkata and Guwahati for sale.

A view of the central open market selling local produce with shop buildings surrounding it.

Once the official shop timings are over for the day, the shopkeepers bring their wares to this central courtyard to sell them at discounted prices to mark the end of the day.

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Bada Bazaar cloth market (2019-06-25)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Puan cloth sold in the main market, the Bada Bazaar, in Aizawl.

The shopkeepers rent the shop or 'dawr' from the local government for a very reasonable monthly rent.

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Bada Bazaar cloth market (2019-06-25)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Women are largely both the weavers and vendors, as is common in most north-eastern states populated by tribal communities.

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Bada Bazaar cloth market (2019-06-25)Dastkari Haat Samiti

The shopkeepers rent the shop or 'dawr' from the local government at Rs. 1700 per month.

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Bada Bazaar cloth market (2019-06-25)Dastkari Haat Samiti

A variety of floral motifs are sold in the Bada Bazaar in Aizawl, Mizoram.

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Bada Bazaar cloth market (2019-06-25)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Plain puans without motifs can also be found in the Bada Bazaar market in Aizawl.

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Bada Bazaar cloth market (2019-06-25)Dastkari Haat Samiti

This is a small selection of the variety of puan clothes that are sold in the bazaar.

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Bada Bazaar cloth market (2019-06-25)Dastkari Haat Samiti

On an average a single girl can own up to 30 puans while a married woman would own more, depending on the status of her husband.

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Bada Bazaar cloth market (2019-06-25)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Women looking for a Puanchei for the Sunday church service.

With a huge range of colours and designs available in the market, one usually finds what one wants at the Bada Bazaar; it also being the largest market in the city.

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Bada Bazaar cloth market (2019-06-25)Dastkari Haat Samiti

One can find many variations of the Siniar motif being sold at the bazaar.

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Handloom Shop (2019-06-25)Dastkari Haat Samiti

A handloom shop in the central market in Aizawl where K.Lalmuanpuii sells her products made by her weavers and tailored into products at her tailoring unit.

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Bamboo Retail Outlet (2019-06-26)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Bamboo Retail Outlet at Lengpui Airport

The Bamboo Retail Outlet, a government establishment at the Lengpui Airport is run by the Lenbuang Handloom and Handicraft agency, and most of the products are made at their workshop or sourced from local craftspeople. The shop is a very accessible way to connect with visitors to Aizawl.

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Bamboo Retail Outlet (2019-06-26)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Bamboo Retail Outlet Shop at the Aizawl Lengpui Airport, selling handlooms products made by puan weavers and tailored at K.Lalmuanpuii's unit, along with and other souvenir products sourced from local craftspeople.

Puanchei: Backstrap weaving of Mizoram: Puan Loin loom weaving (2019-06-24) by LalchhanhimiDastkari Haat Samiti

Read more about Puanchei, backstrap weaving of Mizoram here:
- The Community of Puan Cloth Weavers
- Process

Products
Credits: Story

Text: Jaya Jaitly, Jui Tawade
Photography: Chirodeep Chaudhuri
Artisans: Loin loom- Lalchhanhimi
Frame looms- Thanga, Mawipuii, Sangi, Sangliani, Tauhtauhi, Ruatruati, Chhawnvunga, Neihpuia, Sawhmuka, Lianpuii, Mawizuali, Momokhai, Minipuii, Mawitei
Ground Facilitator: K. Lalmuanpuii, Jui Tawade
Documentary Video: Chirodeep Chaudhuri
Curation: Ruchira Verma

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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