Eri ‘Ahimsa’ Silk: A Silk for All Season
The cultivation and weaving of silk are hereditary rooted in the culture of Assam in India. From the various types of silk of Assam, the rather unknown Eri silk is particularly fascinating, as it is processed without killing the silkworm in most cases. The humid climate of Assam is very favorable for the Eri culture. For around 30 days the silkworm grows and munches on castor leaves until it reaches its final size. It then starts to spin its cocoon, which takes another 15 days. Once the moth leaves its cocoon, the silk is processed. Commonly silk cocoons are boiled with the worm inside to maintain one continuous filament, which results in a smooth and shiny fabric. Interestingly, the eri silkworm spins short segments of a filament and creates a cocoon that is open at one end – enabling the moth to emerge. Therefore, when the eri silk is processed without boiling the ‘worm inside cocoons’ it is also known as ‘Ahimsha’ silk, or non-violent silk and thus an eco-friendly silk.
The word “Ahimsa” derives from Sanskrit and translates as “do no harm”. Eri silk provides varied texture in the fabric with very a very soft and smooth feeling. Interestingly, fabric, made from Eri silk can be wore throughout the year as during summer it gives a cooling feel and during winter it gives a warm feeling. Such is the uniqueness of the silk. Therefore, Eri silk is known as silk for all season. Ahimsa silk yarn being highly versatile with fancy effect, can be interweave with natural and man-made fibers to produce unique fabrics. A luxurious feel and incredibly soft Ahimsa silk fabrics is long way not only to meet the needs of the Indian buyers but also a boon for the Indian exporters as it has been hugely popularized among people all over the world and particularly in the Eastern and South-Easter Countries because of its non-violent and eco-friendly process. Fabric, woven through Eri silk not only is used for preparing garments like scarves, shawls and other dress materials but it is also being used for making every kind of home-furnishing products as well like cushion covers, curtains, made-ups, runners, placements, napkins etc.
