Jyotish Debnath
A Kalna weaver of fine muslin and jamdani saris who has revived old techniques and trained many women weavers, honoured with the Padma Shri in 2026.
Jyotish Debnath weaves muslin and jamdani, two of the finest and most delicate handloom traditions of Bengal. In 2026 he was named for the Padma Shri in the field of art, from West Bengal [1].
The weaver of Kalna
Debnath was born on 15 July 1958 and comes from Kalna in Purba Bardhaman district [2]. His saris are known for intricate motifs and an almost transparent fineness, skills handed down through generations of weavers [2].
Old techniques, new buyers
As handlooms struggled in a changing market, Debnath revived weaving methods that were in danger of being lost, and adapted classic designs to modern tastes [2]. He has shown his work in Milan, Barcelona and Edinburgh, which has also helped other weavers find buyers abroad [2].
Teaching women weavers
He has trained many women in muslin and jamdani weaving, helping them earn a steady living [2]. His work has helped make Kalna known as a weaving centre and encouraged young people to take up the loom [2].
He won the National Award in 2010 for a jamdani khadi stole, and the Sant Kabir Award, India’s top honour for handloom weavers, in 2018 [2].
Sources
- [1] Padma Awards 2026: list of awardees — Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Accessed 11 October 2026.
- [2] Padma Awards 2026 investiture ceremony brochure: citation for Jyotish Debnath — Press Information Bureau, Government of India. Accessed 12 October 2026.
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