Himroo Factory
The Royal Weave Heritage: The Himroo Factory (or often a renowned workshop/showroom complex) is the custodian of Aurangabad's most famous and historically rich textile tradition: Himroo fabric. This unique fabric, often confused with silk, is a blend of cotton/polyester and silk, characterized by it s intricate motifs, Persian-inspired designs, and a soft, silken texture. The craft was patronized by the Mughal and Nizam rulers and brought to the Deccan from Persia and Turkey, evolving into a distinct local art form. The factory serves as a vital center for the production, preservation, and promotion of this centuries-old handicraft. A Working Museum of Handloom: The factory is essentially a working museum where visitors can witness the entire process of Himroo weaving, from the preparation of the yarn to the final product. The rhythmic clatter of the traditional handlooms, often pit looms, offers a mesmerizing and educational experience. The main focus is on the skilled artisans, often descendants of the original weavers, who meticulously create intricate designs without the aid of modern machinery, highlighting the exceptional value of the handloom product.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1-2 hoursPlace Type:
Heritage Handloom, Craft Workshop, ShoppingEntry Fees:
Nominal Workshop Tour Fee: Visiting the factory/workshop is often free for general viewing, as the main business is sales. However, some organized factory tours or detailed demonstrations may charge a nominal fee (e. g. , Rs.50 to Rs.100) to cover the guide's time.Nominal Workshop Tour Fee: Visiting the factory/workshop is often free for general viewing, as the main business is sales. However, some organized factory tours or detailed demonstrations may charge a nominal fee (e. g. , Rs.50 to Rs.100) to cover the guide's time.
Shopping is the Main Cost: There is no entry fee, but the cost of the products is high due to the handloom nature. A quality Himroo shawl can range from Rs.2,000 to Rs.20,000 or more, depending on the silk content, intricacy, and size.
Commercial Photography: Professional or commercial photography usually requires explicit permission from the factory owner and a commercial fee, which can be substantial.Timing:
Regular Timings: The factory/workshop and showroom are generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (for the workshop) and the retail outlet from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM (for the showroom) on all days. It may be closed on certain public holidays or have reduced hours on Sundays.
...Regular Timings: The factory/workshop and showroom are generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (for the workshop) and the retail outlet from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM (for the showroom) on all days. It may be closed on certain public holidays or have reduced hours on Sundays.
Ideal Visit Time: The ideal time to visit the actual workshop is the Mid-Morning (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM), when the weavers are most active and the lighting is good for viewing the weaving process. The Afternoon is best for shopping at the air-conditioned showroom.Special Events:
Handloom Demonstration Events: The factory occasionally hosts special demonstration events, especially during national Handloom Week (usually August) or local craft fairs, where master weavers from surrounding villages might demonstrate the craft, often with subsidized sales...Handloom Demonstration Events: The factory occasionally hosts special demonstration events, especially during national Handloom Week (usually August) or local craft fairs, where master weavers from surrounding villages might demonstrate the craft, often with subsidized sales to promote the art.
Festive Collections: New, exclusive collections featuring unique color combinations and designs are launched just before major festivals like Diwali (October/ November) and Eid to attract a larger consumer base, accompanied by in-store events.Best Photo Spots:
The Handloom Close-Up: The best photo spot is a close-up of the Himroo fabric being woven on the loom, capturing the texture, the vibrant color threads, and the intricate pattern as it is being formed. Shoot the weaver's hands at work to convey the human element of the craf...The Handloom Close-Up: The best photo spot is a close-up of the Himroo fabric being woven on the loom, capturing the texture, the vibrant color threads, and the intricate pattern as it is being formed. Shoot the weaver's hands at work to convey the human element of the craft.
The Loom Array: Capture a wide-angle shot of the entire workshop floor, showing the row of traditional pit looms and the weavers in action, which conveys the sense of a working industrial heritage.
The Fabric Display: Photograph the showroom's vibrant display of finished Himroo shawls and sarees draped on mannequins or shelves, highlighting the rich colors and the shimmering texture of the fabric.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Observe the Weaving Process:
Watch the Loom: Spend at least 30 minutes watching the skilled artisans at the handlooms, observing the intricate, slow process of creating the Himroo pattern through the extra weft technique, appreciating the physical labor involved.
Yarn to Fabric: Trace the entire journey of the yarn, from the raw material stage (if displayed) to the finished shawl or fabric, understanding the steps like warping, dyeing, and motif setting.
Shopping and Interaction:
Shop for Souvenirs: Purchase authentic Himroo shawls, stoles, dress material, or wall hangings, which are high-quality, unique souvenirs.
Bargain Respectfully: While the prices are usually firm to protect the artisan's wag...
Information
-
Why Famous:
The Himroo Weave: It is renowned as the primary location to witness the creation of and purchase authentic Himroo fabric, a textile unique to Aurangabad that was historically worn by royalty. The factory offers transparency in the weaving process, guaranteeing the authentic...The Himroo Weave: It is renowned as the primary location to witness the creation of and purchase authentic Himroo fabric, a textile unique to Aurangabad that was historically worn by royalty. The factory offers transparency in the weaving process, guaranteeing the authenticity of the handloom product.
Preservation of a Dying Art: The factory's fame lies in its critical role in preserving the art of Himroo weaving, which is facing challenges from modern, machine-made textiles. Visiting the factory supports the local artisans and the continuation of this royal heritage craft.
The Art of Paithani: While Himroo is the focus, many of these factories also showcase the art of Paithani silk saree weaving, another famous Maharashtra handloom. This dual showcase makes it a vital center for Deccan textile arts. -
Architecture:
Functional Industrial Heritage Architecture: The structure is typical of an industrial building or a large traditional workshop (karkhana), adapted for both production and retail. The architecture is functional, prioritizing large, well-lit spaces for the looms and a displa...Functional Industrial Heritage Architecture: The structure is typical of an industrial building or a large traditional workshop (karkhana), adapted for both production and retail. The architecture is functional, prioritizing large, well-lit spaces for the looms and a display area for the finished products. The traditional section housing the pit looms often has a lower ceiling and an earth floor to maintain humidity, which is beneficial for the silk threads.
Loom Dimensions and Workshop Layout: The building is usually a spacious single or double-story structure. The main workshop area is filled with pit looms, which can be about 2 meters by 2 meters each, set into the floor. The workshop space is designed to accommodate numerous looms, with a typical workshop floor plan of around 30 meters by 20 meters. The retail showroom area is modern, featuring high ceilings and good lighting to display the colorful fabrics, contrasting sharply with the utilitarian workshop. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport (IXU) (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport), approximately 10 KMS away. A direct taxi or app-based cab (around 25-30 minutes) via Jalna Road and Raja Bazar Road is the quickest route.
By Train: -
Near Tourist Places:
Himayat Bagh (1 KMS), Bibi Ka Maqbara (3 KMS), Panchakki (3 KMS), Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum (1 KMS), Salim Ali Lake (2 KMS), Dargah Baba Shah Musafir (4 KMS), Soneri Mahal (2 KMS), Aurangabad Caves (7 KMS), Gul Mandi Market (3 KMS), Kranti Chowk Retail Outlet (3 KMS)
Tourism Tips
-
Health & safety: Be careful around the moving parts of the looms in the workshop area. The area can be dusty; if you have allergies, consider wearing a mask.
Packing: Carry cash, as discounts or special deals may be available for cash purc...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(608+) of Maharashtra Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Daulatabad Fort Shani ShingnapurTrimbakeshwar Shiva TempleUpasani Maharaj AshramMatheran Water Reservoir Monkey PointBassein Fort BhiwandiGorakhgad FortJai Vilas PalaceKelva BeachMahuli FortManas MandirTansa Wildlife SanctuaryThane Creek Flamingo SanctuaryTitwala Ganesh MandirVardhaman Fantasy ParkYeoor Forest SpotMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Ajanta Caves
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Anand Sagar
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Aurangabad Caves
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Aurangabad Regional Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bani Begum Garden
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bhadra Maruti Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chowk Masjid
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities