Crafted by India - Obeetee for the parliament project

There was a time when India had a handful of brands that used to specialize in different product categories, and the common man would only trust those brands for all their home and lifestyle requirements. However, as Globalization set foot, numerous individual brands and family businesses saw the opportunity to take their business to the next level, a global level. Thus, in just 3 decades, we are now experiencing what one might call a corporate flood. There is almost no product category that has been left untouched, and the few ones that are left are supposedly being researched upon by some intellectual minds.

That being said, the reason we give you this background is that through it all, established in 1920, Obeetee Carpets has always been here, proudly representing India on a national as well as a global pedestal. Our vision and goal has always just been one, to preserve the rich art of handcrafting marvelous furnishings for the world to cherish. And while we believe that our journey has so far only brought us closer to achieving this, there are few benchmarks achievements that made us feel proud to be a part of a nation that not only values our vision, but also joined hands with us to move forward.

One such most recent accomplishment for Obeetee Carpets was the Central Vista Project i.e. the inauguration of the new parliament halls, for which we bagged the opportunity to craft two magnificent carpets.

Let us shed some light on how this prestigious project was executed.

How it began

It all started in the year 2020, during the pandemic when society as a whole was confined to their homes, practically taking up all the major tasks sitting within the four walls of their rooms, Obeetee got into a discussion with the architects for the project, the HCP team. The task was of course not going to be an easy one, owing to the hindrance that no physical meetings could be held, thus, we were left with just one option, confiding in the virtual mode.

The project's goal was to rejuvenate and elevate India's cherished bastions of democracy, particularly the new Parliament Building. It was an incredible honor for us to be entrusted with such a prestigious endeavor, aligning perfectly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of an AtmaNirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

We realized the magnitude of the task ahead as we joined forces with 900 master craftsmen from the villages of Bhadohi and Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. These skilled artisans, hailing from the heart of India's largest state and carrying forward a generations old legacy, became an integral part of our team.

Craft process

Crafting the carpets was no small feat. Our skilled weavers meticulously hand-knotted each piece, employing the laborious and ancient art form that has been cherished for centuries. To synchronize with the architectural design of the Houses, we stitched the 158 carpets for the Lok Sabha and 156 for the Rajya Sabha into a single carpet in the form of a semi-circle. This magnificent masterpiece covered an expansive area of 35,000 square feet.

The manufacturing process at our own factory headquarters in Mirzapur was a tedious one, as we had to craft carpets for halls measuring up to 17,500 square feet each. This posed a significant challenge for our design team, as we had to meticulously craft the carpets in separate pieces and seamlessly join them together, ensuring that the creative mastery of our weavers blended harmoniously to create a unified carpet that could withstand heavy footfall.

Weaving an astonishing 120 knots per square inch, the carpets resulted in over 600 million knots approximately in total. The Lok Sabha carpets boasted intricate motifs of the peacock, symbolizing India's national bird, while the Rajya Sabha carpets showcased the exquisite motifs of the lotus, India's national flower. Meticulously crafted patterns and embellishments with 20-25 shades adorned these carpets, standing as a testament to India's unparalleled artistry.

Throughout the year-and-a-half-long process, we remained inclusive and diverse in our workforce. Women weavers played an integral role in this historic project, embodying the spirit of unity and craftsmanship. The weaving process commenced in September 2021, and by May 2022, it was completed. The installation of the carpets began in November 2022, and finally, the New Parliament Building was ready for its grand inauguration on May 28, 2023.

The materials we used for these magnificent carpets were 100% wool, known for its durability and luxurious texture. The colors used in the Rajya Sabha were primarily inspired by the shade of Kokum Red, while the Lok Sabha carpets took inspiration from the plumes of the Indian peacock, featuring a vibrant Indian agave green. The result was a breathtaking display of artistry, where the carpets not only added beauty but also enhanced the overall aesthetic of the New Parliament Building.

The final result

As we stood back and admired the finished carpets, we couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride and accomplishment. Our collaboration with the architect team had resulted in a remarkable fusion of tradition and modernity, where the ancient craft of hand-knotting had been seamlessly integrated into the design of a contemporary masterpiece. These carpets would forever stand as a testament to the rich heritage and unparalleled craftsmanship of India, woven into the very fabric of its democracy.

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