HYDERABAD: A group of 30 visitors toured Pochampally on Saturday to learn about its ikat sarees, interact with local weavers and explore the village’s agricultural practices as part of an initiative to promote rural heritage tourism. The programme was organised by Communitie Hyderabad and involved local guides trained under a sustainable tourism plan. Deccan Archives has scheduled another similar visit for Sunday, October 25.

Communitie Hyderabad’s heritage team organised Saturday’s visit, which began with an exploration of the Pochampally Ikat Museum. Participants learnt about the history and cultural importance of the region’s handloom traditions. They also watched live demonstrations and spoke directly to weavers to understand the different stages involved in making ikat sarees.

The group visited a rural farm and the temple dedicated to Lord Markandeya, regarded as the deity of handloom weavers. Visitors were served a traditional Telangana thali for lunch. The tour concluded with shopping at local weavers’ establishments, where participants could purchase handloom products directly from the artisans.

The organisers said the tours were planned to introduce people to Pochampally’s agricultural practices, community life and local traditions alongside its handloom industry. Interactions with artisans also gave participants an understanding of the time, skill and knowledge involved in producing ikat sarees.

Sagar and Swetha, local guides who led the visit, were trained under the sustainable tourism Plan for Pochampally which is spearheaded by Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district collector Anuraag Jayanti, with support from the Cultural Economy Impact Collective and the National Institute of Urban Management, Hyderabad.

Deccan Archives will continue the initiative on Sunday with another guided tour covering Pochampally’s handloom traditions, rural heritage and everyday village life.

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