A Bhagalpuri matka at Swastik Mangal and (right) a kurti and skirt. Pictures by Gopal Senapati

A wide array of silks and cottons are available at artist and textile designer Anjan Shau’s first ever showroom in Bally Dhingshaipara. The 100 square feet boutique has a collection of saris, kurtis and men’s panjabis, made either in Anjan’s own workshop or sourced from handlooms around India. The new shop, named after Anjan’s brand, Swastik Mangal Enterprise, has stocks of silk and cotton saris from Bhagalpur, Odisha and south India. There is a wide choice at this new boutique that opened before this Durga puja.

“Apart from my block printed and applique work saris and kurtis, I have brought some of the latest fabrics. This year a new form of soft silk thread has been introduced and it is called Noel. This thread is mixed with gichha and matka threads to make different weaves and types of fabric. The end product is soft and comfortable in our climate,” said Anjan. The simple malmal saris at Swastik Mangal come for a minimum of Rs 350 onwards. Silk saris start from Rs 1,400 onwards.

Anjan has sourced a wide range of Bhagalpur cotton and silk saris in printed or single colours. “Bhagalpur silk saris start from Rs 2,600 onwards. These are simple silk saris with elaborate temple or broad colourful borders,” said Anjan. Bhagalpuri cotton saris come for a pocket pinch of Rs 2,000 onwards, while those on which Anjan has done his own block printed designs come for Rs 2,100. A variety of Kerala cotton saris with hand painted and applique designs are also available.

Another variety of saris called ‘khesh’ is available at Swastik Mangal. “This type of sari is a mix and match of fabric from old saris. It is like quilts made using old saris,” said Anjan. There are a few of these at the new store. Long and short cotton kurtis in vibrant colours and designs are available from Rs 300 onwards. Men’s cotton panjabis come for Rs 500 onwards. “We do not stock silk panjabis but those can be made to order,” said Anjan.