Obeetee Carpets, a renowned Indian company with a century-old legacy, spearheaded this ambitious project. The skilled weavers individually crafted over 150 carpets for both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. These carpets were later ingeniously merged into a single, semi-circular shape to align 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. Each hall required a carpet spanning up to 17,500 square feet, posing a significant hurdle for the artisans.
Meticulously constructing the carpet in sections and seamlessly merging them together demanded meticulous precision. The goal was to ensure that the weavers' artistic expertise would result in a unified carpet capable of withstanding high foot traffic.
The color schemes chosen for the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha carpets pay homage 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 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 meticulously crafted over 600 million knots, a testament to their skill and dedication.
Originating from the Bhadohi and Mirzapur districts of Uttar Pradesh, these talented weavers poured their hearts and soul into the project. Over the course of the weaving process, which commenced in September 2021 and concluded in May 2022, they devoted a staggering "10 lakh man-hours" to carpeting the Upper and Lower Houses of the new Parliament building.
It is worth noting that the project's inception occurred during the challenging times of 2020, amidst 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, emphasizing the 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 symbolize India's rich heritage and the remarkable skill of its artisans. The blend of traditional craftsmanship and national symbolism in the carpets serves as a testament to the country's cultural tapestry and artistic excellence.
