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| Trendy Ahimsa Silk Saree |
"Ahimsa" which means Non-violence is so
called because the silk yarn is manufactured in a process where the silkworms
are not killed to obtain the yarn. So it is called as peace silk. Ahimsa silk
is spun after the silkworm has completely transformed and emerged from the
cocoon.
There are different types of silkworms, but Bombyx
mori is mainly used for cultivation. The silkworms are placed in bamboo baskets
and are fed mulberry leaves. When they feed on the leaves, the insects give out
fluids through their head glands. This fluid is called as fibroin (raw silk)
and sericin (bonding gum). The substance later hardens upon mixing up with air,
forming the fundamental silk thread, which is a blend of two fibres, jointly held
by the gum. The silkworm oozes out the fibroin continuously for about 1,000
yards, forming an oval case or cocoon. But the worm will still be alive inside
the cocooon.
In the process of producing regular silk, the cocoons
are submerged in boiling hot water to kill the worms and spool the silk yarn.
In ahimsa silk cocoons are left untouched for seven to ten days. Once the worms
are fully matured, they are allowed to pierce the cocoons and flutter away as
moths. Only after this the manufacture of peace silk begins. Each cocoon is
checked separately to make sure that the moth has escaped before the silk
thread is spun. Spinning approximately takes two to three months and weaving
another month. Ahimsa silk is to some extent less shiny; it has a soft feel and
texture.
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