Buy Gongadi Blanket Online

Why Should You Purchase GHONGADI From Us?

• All sheep wool blankets are entirely handmade on traditional looms.
• Extremely fine quality wool is used in the blanket-making process.
• High product quality without any adulteration.
• AhilyaStore.com is the only brand from Maharashtra delivering original Ghongadi made on traditional handloom.
• A direct connection between the artisans and their customers, a major chunk of the profit is shared by the artisans.
• Every final product is verified by our quality control officers and is delivered to the customers at their doorstep on time.
• Free Home Delivery, COD Available.

What is a GHONGADI?

Ghongadi is a cultural and spiritual inheritance of deccan plateau. Shahir Nivrutti Pawar’s unforgettable folk song ‘kathi na ghongada gheu dya ki re an mala bhi jatrela yeu dya ki re’(let me take my stick and woolen blanket and accompany you to the funfair) or the line from Pandit Bhimsen Joshi’s verse ‘kanhoba tujhi ghongadi changli re’ (boy, your woolen blanket is good) reminds us of the fond memories associated with Ghongadi which still makes it so relevant in the villages of western Maharashtra. The artisans’ community involved in preserving this art are fast depleting and are alive today only in fewer villages of Satara, Solapur and Kolhapur district of maharashtra and other states like Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh.

The “Ghongadi” is a regional name given to a khadi Blanket. which is hand spun, hand woven in pure Desi deccan sheep wool Produced by the Sub Community of Shepherds from rural parts of Maharashtra (One of the prime states of India). The woolen Blanket- “Ghongadi” is known by various other names such as “Kambal & Kambli” in various regions of India for quite a few degrees of coarseness & softness of the surface. Vinutha Mallya (2017) says that the any Community dealing with Wool related supplies are believed to be the nomadic community of the shepherds, who breed, herd, posse and maintain the sheep and this maintenance involved timely cutting their hair. The Shepherd then sell these hairs to the Sub- Community who could make yarns out of those hairs, which are hand spun, naturally processed enabling them to weave together using a basic floor loom into the fabric- known to be as “Ghongadi”.

The manuscripts state that farmers and peasants used a single Ghongadi as a bedspread and blanket while they spent their entire day in farms since it was 12 feet long. With reference to historical events, it has been said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj handed every mavla ( soldier ) 2 such woolen blankets to protect themselves. The great Indian social activist, Mahatma Phule was never seen without a Ghongadi on his shoulder.

The wise men from the Dhangar (shepherd) community predicted about monsoons by the amount of dust settled on the Ghongadi. Will it rain abundantly? Will the fields prosper? The answers to these questions were believed to be God sent messages to the common people by understanding the status of this woolen blanket while Ghongadi resting on the Malhari’s shoulders was considered to be a symbol of prosperity and stability.

Ghongadi is an indivisible part of the shepherd who till date is pictured as a man wearing dhoti and a turban with ghongadi on his shoulder and a stick for his flock of sheep. With our initiative, AhilyaStore we provide a platform to connect these artisans from the Dhangar community, their roots and traditions and the art of Ghongadi making to the rest of the world.

Benefits of Sheep Wool Blanket – Ghongadi

Ghongadi is a traditional, hand-woven woolen blanket from Maharashtra, India. It’s known for its warmth, durability, and a variety of uses beyond just keeping warm.

Here is a summary of the benefits and uses of a ghongadi:

Health Benefits:

• Relief from body aches: Sleeping on a ghongadi is believed to help with back pain, joint pain, arthritis, and spondylosis. It is thought to act like an acupressure mat, improving blood circulation.
• Insomnia and Blood Pressure: It is said to help with restful sleep and can assist in controlling high blood pressure.
• Regulates Body Temperature: It provides warmth in the winter and is believed to have a cooling effect in the summer.

Cultural and Spiritual Uses:

• Religious Rituals: Ghongadi holds a significant place in various rituals and spiritual practices in Maharashtra, such as ‘Jagran Gondhal’, ‘Satyanarayan puja’, and for meditation.
• Symbol of Purity: It is considered a pure and auspicious item, often used as a prayer mat.

Practical Uses:

• Durable and Multipurpose: Traditionally used by shepherds and farmers as a blanket, a mat, and a protective cape against rain.
• Natural and Eco-friendly: Made from pure sheep wool, it is an organic and sustainable product.

It’s a valuable part of Maharashtrian culture, with its uses ranging from everyday comfort to deep-rooted spiritual traditions.

What Is Sheep Wool and How Important in Terms of Health and Spiritual?

Wool, Originating From the Fleece of Sheep, Is a Natural Fiber Intricately Produced by Animals, Enveloping Most of Their Body for Insulation and Protection.

Wool Fiber:

Wool Fibers, When in Contact With the Skin, Engage in a Gentle Micro Massage Just Like an Acupressure. The Tiny Hair-Like Structures on Wool, Delicately Stimulate Nerve Endings Throughout the Body. This Stimulation Promotes Enhanced Blood Circulation, Contributing to Overall Well-Being.

Comfort in Coarseness:

The Prickle Sensation Occurs When the Ends of Fibers Within a Fabric Press Against the Skin, Triggering Nerve Receptors. Coarse Fabric Has Less Tendency to Bend, Causing Prickling Sensation, Which Helps in Backache and Body Aches.

Optimal Sleep is Crucial for Well Being:

The Texture and Weave of the Blanket’s Fibres Facilitate a Natural Acupressure Effect. Promoting Relief and Comfort. The Use of a Ghongadi for Sleep Has Been Associated With Alleviating Physical Discomfort. As Woolen Materials Are Known to Offer Support to Critical Pressure Points, Thereby Improving Comfort Levels.

Body Temperature:

Wool Excels in Maintaining Body Temperature, Thus Ensuring Sleepers Remain Comfortably Within Their Thermal Comfort Zone. Sleeping on Wool Offers Several Benefits, Including Comfort to Pressure Points, Enhanced Absorption of Perspiration. These Properties Collectively Contribute to a More Comfortable and Restful Sleeping Experience for Individuals

Enhance Overall Well-Being:

Enhance Your Meditation and Yoga Practice With Ghongadi. Experience Therapeutic and Holistic Benefits of Ghongadi

Why Should You Use A Woolen Blanket Instead Of A Cotton Blanket?

As per Sleep Statistics Worldwide:

• 62% of Adults Report Inadequate Sleep Quality.
• 67% Experience Nightly Disturbances.
• 80% Aspire to Enhance Their Sleep Quality.

Move Beyond Just Tracking Sleep Hours, and Take Control of Your Sleep Health by Sleeping on This. One of our Friends Advised Sleeping on Breathable and Comfortable Fabrics Like Cotton But Remind Him of What Our Ancestors Told Us.

Wool Is Twice as Effective as Cotton at Keeping Us Dry and Comfortable, Thanks to Its Superior Moisture Management Fibre, Which Literally Helps You to Setting the Bed for Success.

The Coarse Nature of Wool, With Its Prickly Texture, Gives Your Body a Micro-Massage. This Stimulation of the Nerve Endings Helps You Unwind and Enter a Relaxed State Before You Sleep.

Sound Sleep With Ghongadi, The Ideal Humidity for Sleep Falls Between 30% and 50%, as Excessive Humidity Can Interfere With Getting More Deep Sleep and REM Sleep. Wool Helps in Regulating Temperature, Wool Maintains the Sleeper’s Body in the Ideal Thermal Comfort Zone and Excels in Perspiration Absorption.

Oh, and Also, Wool Is Great at Regulating Body Temperature, Keeping You Comfortably Warm. It Cushions Pressure Points, Absorbs Sweat Efficiently, and Naturally Stimulates Blood Circulation for a Restful Sleep.

Either Sleep On a Ghongadi. Mattress or Use It as a Blanket. For a Deeper, More Relaxing Sleep That Will Make You Feel Healthy, And Energised the Next Day. Looking for the Original Handmade Ghongadi? Make a Order Through Website or Call us Today.

Rahul Waware
8999143074

Types of Ghongadi

Based on the information gathered, ghongadi can be categorized in a few ways, primarily by method of weaving, type of wool and the color.

By Weaving Method:

• Haatmaag (Handloom) Ghongadi: This is the original, traditional type, woven on a pit loom. It is made from 100% pure wool and is known for its durability and health benefits.
• Machinemade (Machine-made) Ghongadi: These are modern imitations, It contain 100% cotton and Nylon, and are considered less authentic because it’s duplicate ghongadi. Currently, 99% of this blankets being sold in the market. This is a big scam. We will see detailed information about this below.

By Type of Wool:

• Jawal Ghongadi: The wool in jawal ghongai is baby sheep. They are light weighted and used in spiritual activities as well as health purposes.
• Traditional Ghongadi: The wool in traditional ghongadi is mature sheep. They are heavy weighted and used in rain, farm activities as well as health purposes. This is not used in spirital activities.

By Color:

The most common types are based on the natural color of the sheep’s wool is Black, White and Grey.