If there’s one piece of clothing that screams easy — it’s darling dresses. Heading for a coffee run? Throw on a chic, bright skater dress. Getting ready for that all-important meeting? Pick out a sleek, black button-down dress. Heading to a starry party? A sequined dress does the job just fine. The truth is a range of dresses perfect for all kinds of events and occasions is an absolute wardrobe essential. Not only that, it’s the perfect pick-me-up for when you’re in no mood to get out of your sweats, but still want to look perfectly put-together (we all know that feeling, don’t we?). When it comes to dresses, the variations are endless – and that’s the beauty of dresses.
However, navigating the whirlwind of many, many options – from work-appropriate bodycon dresses, to easy, breezy brunch-approved dresses, from party-ready glittery A-line dresses to travel-perfect skater dresses – is very confusing. Read on as we bring to you the perfect dress for all the occasions, they’d be perfect for.
1. The Polka Drop Waist Shirt Dress, for power dressing for the workplace.
When it comes to dressing for work, your outfit needs to pack a whole lot of both – form and function. The key is to dress in formal wear dresses that will help you stay comfortable for long hours but looks powerful at the same time. Enter, our Polka Drop Waist Shirt Dress – a formal yet pretty dress that’s breezy enough to help you stay on your feet the whole day as you run between meetings, work lunches and important team huddles. The best part? It also doubles up as a stunning dress to take from your desk to an after-work wine catch-up with your girlfriends.
2. The Navy Satin Drape Dress, for stealing the spotlight at your next cocktail gala
Everyone loves a good party dress. But, when it comes to dressing to the nines for a starry night of fun, frolic, and lots of experimental dance moves, it’s best to pick something that’s twirl-friendly and ultra-glamorous all at the same time. That’s where our Navy Satin Drape Dress comes through. A stunning slit adds the glam, a beautiful satin finish adds the shine, and a chic collar detail seals the deal. Where this dress at the next party you’re in the mood to steal the spotlight at.
3. The Caramel Buttoned Slit Dress, for a sleek birthday-lunch look.
Finding the *perfect* birthday dress is a hard task. You’re constantly scrolling through millions of online shopping pages to find the one that speaks to your heart and ecstatically proclaims that it’s your very special day. Don’t fret, we’ve done the job for you. Our Caramel Buttoned Slit Dress packs the right amount of sleekness and chicness. It’s got a beautiful fit and stunning details that make it the perfect pick to celebrate YOU.
4. The Sunset Geo Print Self Tie Dress, for keeping it breezy at your next exotic getaway.
Long beach walks, margaritas on repeat, pizzas for lunch, breakfast and dinner, endless swims in the ocean, and a yacht ride to sum it all up. The perfect components of an exotic getaway. But what truly makes or breaks your dreamy vacay, are the breezy outfits and beach dresses you pack. One such must-have is our Sunset Geo Print Self Tie Dress. Pair it with a huge hat, some sunnies, gold hoops and easy flip flops, and you’re all ready to sway in style, all day long.
5. The White Abstract Mickey Print Dress, for dressing cute for a sunny bottomless brunch.
Brunches with the girls are for playful dressing and outfit experimentation! As you head out for an afternoon full of hilarious anecdotes, revisiting old stories, mimosas, pancakes and more — it’s imperative your dress also adds to the fun. Meet our White Abstract Mickey Print dress, inspired by Disney’s iconic character, Mickey Mouse. It brings an added sense of freshness to your already buzzing bottomless brunch.
There you have it, there’s nothing like dressing to make your getting-ready-process smooth as ever. The best part is that – they can be dressed up or dressed down according to your moods, personal style, or occasions. When it comes to dresses, you can pretty much never go wrong.
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The winters are around the corner. The chill, the huddles and the feeling of cold nostalgia will probably hit all of us in the coming few months. And of course, the woolen wears will finally be out of their storage boxes, along with the warm accessories. Blankets will be dusted, mattresses laid out, and our entire wardrobe might just have to be overhauled. Well, it’s that time of the year, where winter fashion will finally see the light of the day.
Winter clothing and fashion are always overlaid with a lot of practicality. Staying and keeping yourself warm is of paramount importance that usually supersedes our sense of dressing. One would imagine being covered up in layers of clothing to counter the chill. Sweaters and jackets may seem the only resort and face of winter fashion. However, this is grossly untrue if you open your eyes to the myriad of ways in which winter fashion is a coming together of style, grace and comfort.
Today, winter wear is mostly about fashion. However, India is a land of drastic climates and varying temperatures. Some places can get extremely cold during winters and others where the chill is only slight to moderate. Most parts of the country experience a good spell of the winter season with temperatures dropping to single digits. Up in the mountains, the hill stations are carpeted in snow and the interiors of the country are hit with a dry and cold spell for a couple of months. On the other hand, in some parts down south, the winters are not very chilly. In fact, in places like Chennai, there is no need for sweaters or pullovers if you live in the interior parts of the city.
Keeping all of this in mind, it is not surprising that traditional winter clothing has made its distinct place. And because of the climatic variations, the clothing styles and fashions also vary across the country. The traditional dresses of various states bear testimony to their inherent weather and terrain conditions.
Traditional ethnic clothing of different states is an area of study by itself. However, in this context, it is interesting to take a quick look at some of the traditional wear of some states that experience low temperatures. Jammu and Kashmir, for example, requires winter clothing for a large part of the year. Kashmiri’s usually wear a Pheran, a long and loose gown that drops below the knees. The men also wear a head or skullcap along with churidars or pyjamas. The women Pherans are beautifully embroidered and they too love their headgear.
Himachal Pradesh is another state that has a chilly disposition. Woolen clothes in forms of kurtas along with the cap called pagri are typical attires of the men. Women also wear pretty kurtas along with the rahide or headscarf that have a golden border or fringe to protect against the cold.
Northeast India also experiences chilly winters. The temperatures drop in states at higher altitudes and closer to the ranges. Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh for example experience very cold winters when compared to the other sister states. In Sikkim, the men wear the Kho or Bakhu which is a dress worn with a leather belt and boots. The women wear a full-sleeved silk blouse which is known as Honju. Other warm ethnic clothing includes the long ankle length sari called Dumvum and another called the Nyamrek. In Arunachal Pradesh too, the women wear full-sleeved jackets over their sleeveless dress called a chemise. A skullcap decorated in yak hair accompanies the traditional attire.
The women of Manipur wear a woven dupatta known as Innaphi that is wrapped around their upper bodies. Men pair up the dhoti with a jacket as part of their traditional clothing.
The fabric of the wear or clothing is of the utmost importance when one designs for a particular season. If cotton clothes are synonymous with summer wear, woolen clothing is a must for the winters. However, besides woolen garments, there is a whole range of other fabrics and textiles that can up the game in both style and comfort. Silk, velvet and furs are well-worn during the winters. Velvet or silk sarees are the best ways to wear ethnic traditional clothing that also helps you keep warm. Similarly, one can opt for silk Kurtis or embroidered Salwar suits that not only look ethereal but also provide the body with enough warmth.
Traditional Winter Fashion wears
So, on one hand, we have traditional winter clothing and on the other the more ubiquitous and universal jackets, sweaters, and pullovers. How can one bring them both together to find the right balance of traditional winter fashion wear? Let’s take a look at the best ways to up your winter style game.
Style it with a shawl
Shawls are one of the most traditional winter wear. They look gorgeous and can be wrapped around regardless of the attire. A shawl looks splendid with ethnic clothing, such as a saree, salwar suit, or even lehenga. On the other hand, it looks chic with other outfits too, including jeans, leggings, Kurtis, etc. It looks good both on men and women and will undoubtedly keep you warm. The Kashmiri shawls, pashmina, and shahtoosh are some types of exemplary woven shawls that look wonderful, be it for their texture, embroideries, or fabrics.
Jackets and capes
Courtesy – Fabindia.com
Contrary to conventional belief, jackets are not only about black or brown leather. Traditional jackets, such as a Koti or Nehru jacket can be paired with any ethnic clothing. The Koti, for instance, can be tailored in silk and come in beautiful embroidery and colors. Similarly, the Nehru jacket can also add an extra charm and warmth to the classical Kurta Churidar combination. Heavily embroidered jackets look regal with Anarkalis and sarees too. Some of the other traditional ethnic overcoats and jackets include the Banarasi Trench Coat, Brocade overcoat, Silk Cape, Gamthi jacket, and more.
Winter Fabrics
If it is too much to manage a shawl or jacket, choosing the right winter fabric can do the trick. Silk and velvet outfits look stunning and are perfect for winter. These fabrics can be used to make sarees, lehenga cholis, dresses, salwar suits etc. In fact, some of the most well-known and expensive hand-woven ethnic wears are also made from silk. These include the Banarasi silk saree, Kanchipuram silk saree and more.
Where sleeveless clothing is most comfortable during summers, full sleeves jump in trend during winters. Wearing full-sleeved velvet or silk garments will keep you warm and add a welcome twist to your fashion sense. Long sleeve blouses can be paired with Lehengas, Sarees, Kurtis and Salwar Kameez. On the other hand, if it’s too cold, why not just make a cropped sweater as your saree blouse!
Pairing together ethnic attires with western wears is a wonderful mix of the traditional with the modern. A trench coat on the saree, a leather jacket on the lehenga choli or a cropped jacket on a Kurti – all look extremely fashionable and take the comfort level up several notches. With many celebrities donning fusion looks, it’s no wonder then that east meets west equals a style and snug statement.
Practical Clothing Tactics
Courtesy – Pintrest
Some people are not really much into fashion or keeping up the latest trends. For them, winters are actually a great time for many reasons. The most important being that it hardly matters what one really wears. Just throw a sweatshirt, jacket, or cardigan on the top and you are done. There is no need to really make sure that you are a synchronized, color-coded walking Christmas Tree. As long as you are warm and cozy, that is about it. In fact, winter clothing is very convenient for non-fashionistas because most of them probably have sweaters and jackets that are only black, brown, or blue. And these monochrome colors just about fit and go with anything. Add to that, socks and shoes or boots to do away with any matching footwear altogether. Besides, who wears accessories with a cardigan anyway! And so winter clothing turns out to be an extremely comfortable solution for those who do not care much for fashion.
However, I do understand that this happens to be a tiny minuscule population. Winter fashion wears are, in fact, quite popular, and in demand. Most people like to dress up, pair up accessories and look presentable.
So what are you waiting for? Think of all the ways in which you can up your fashion game this winter. But you can do quite easily choosing to wear traditional attires too!
While it may be easier to put on a few rings or a lovely hanging bracelet, more fashion-forward people may choose an anklet. Many people, however, are confused about the initial step to take, or even if the anklet should be worn on a specific side. What exactly does it mean when someone claims they are “anklet-less”? If you’re just getting started with this new sort of item, anklet etiquette may appear intimidating, but there’s actually not much to it.
Anklets are bracelets that dangle from the ankle and are widely worn all over the world. This type of jewellery is among the oldest, and it has come to represent a variety of things over time, depending on the country in which it is worn.
Anklet in Indian Culture
While the anklet has no distinct identity in the West other than being a trendy item of jewellery, it is a significant emblem in India, where anklets have actually been worn for generations. Anklets are an important aspect of Indian women’s ornamentation. They have immense spiritual and social value and are also called as ‘payal.’ Anklets were worn in Mehrgarh throughout the Neolithic and Chalcolithic eras. According to Jhon Marshall, the dancing female statue is decked with armlets, bangles, and anklets. Silappatikaram (The Story of the Anklet), a Tamil epic from the first century CE, told the story of a woman whose husband was slain while attempting to sell one of her ruby anklets to a dishonest jeweller. The poem goes into great length about the anklets. Though they have been discovered in other ancient societies such as Egypt and the Middle East, Indian anklets have received special attention — so much so that they are being recreated all over the world!
Hindu women in India follow several customs, and each item of jewellery they wear has meaning and importance. In terms of anklets, they have been worn by many ladies of different religions. Anklets have been worn by ladies for many years. Anklets gave women respect in the home, and married ladies wore them the most. During the king’s reign, women wore hefty anklets made of gold or silver. Aside from being worn by ordinary women, anklets are widely used in classical dance forms such as Barathanatiyam. Anklets have different names in each language.
Anklets were originally made of silver since gold was considered the god’s metal and should not be touched by the feet. From lifestyle to fashion, everything has developed as the world around us has embraced the modern period. The jewellery business has also made the greatest use of ideas and resources to create one-of-a-kind jewellery that fits people’s present lifestyles. Because silver keeps the body cool, anklets are also made of it. It regulates the body’s temperature. Payal is associated with the spiritual belief that if a woman’s health is poor, wearing her anklet will improve her health. Anklets are considered very important after marriage because they provide women with positive energy.
The following are the various types of anklets to be aware of:
Toe Ring Anklets
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Toe Ring anklets are among the most popular anklets worn by young ladies nowadays. Toe rings are typically worn outside, even with western attire. The anklet consists of a loop or ring attached to one toe and a chain hooked between the toe and the anklet loop. These toe rings are typically worn on only one side.
Beaded anklets are popular right now. Even young girls enjoy wearing brightly coloured beaded anklets made of wood or other materials. They are made of stretchy material and are easy to wear. Many people prefer to wear tiny beaded anklets.
Charm Anklets
Charm anklets, which are popular in both Indian and Western cultures, are also worn on one leg. You’ve probably heard of charm bracelets, which have been popular for a long time. Charm anklets of the same design are worn by numerous ladies for various reasons. The nicest aspect about wearing a charm anklet is that it may be worn with as few or as many charms as desired.
Silver anklets are the oldest of all anklets and are preferred by women of all ages. The earliest style of silver anklets included tiny bells that made noise, and it was believed that they should remind house members of a woman’s presence and pay respect to her. As modern women have begun to work in offices, they prefer to wear basic silver anklets.
If you like bright colors, try wearing gemstone anklets. In India, however, wearing gemstones in any form has different meanings. Because there are various types of gemstones, each one has a specific one that matches the energy.
When it comes to anklets, silver is typically the first pick. It not only enhances appearance but also offers a plethora of health advantages when used. Anklets account for around 34% of the overall silver market. As Indians, we are all infatuated with gold, however anklets made of the yellow metal are never worn on the feet. As a result, anklets and toe rings are totally composed of silver. Silver is related to the moon, according to Indian ancient astrologers. Silver is a symbol of wealth since it is thought to have been formed from Lord Shiva’s eyes. Whoever wears silver is said to be blessed with fortune according to traditions.
Importance and Benefits of Wearing Anklets
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While anklets are particularly important in Indian culture, the ornament is also prominent in Egypt and the Middle East. This is due to the fact that it provides benefits in areas other than beauty and health.
Silver is a reactive metal that reflects and reverts the body’s energy. Most of our energies leave our bodies through our hands and feet, and metals such as silver and bronze function as a barrier, allowing the energy to circulate back into our bodies. This contributes to increased optimism and enthusiasm. According to Ayurveda and current science, silver responds well with Earth energy, but gold reacts well with the energy and aura of the body. As a result, silver is utilized to embellish the ankles and toes, whereas gold is used to adorn the upper body. It is often assumed that by wearing a payal, one’s energy is not squandered but rather re-vibrated back to the body. This is because, according to Hindu mythology, our feet and hands continually emit energy. Precious metals are supposed to block the discharge of this energy and to protect the individual from unfavorable situations.
Throughout history, silver has been recognised for its antimicrobial qualities. When sailors used to travel on long voyages thousands of years ago, they would bring silver coins with them and rest those coins in their bottles of water. They drank the silver-infused water because it was a good disinfectant. Silver ions destroy bacterial sheaths, which is one of the main reasons why women in tier 2 and 3 cities buy silver anklets.
Furthermore, women were known to spend a significant amount of time standing in the kitchen and performing home duties. They frequently had swollen or sore feet. The pain radiates from the lower back spine down to the legs. Silver improves blood circulation, and because it is on our feet, the foundation of our bodies, it keeps our legs strong.
Aside from these advantages, ongoing research shows that silver boosts immunity and balances hormonal levels. This is one of the reasons why married women in our country wear silver anklets; it keeps the uterus healthy, strengthens the reproductive process, and relieves menstrual cramps.
Each ornament in Hindu culture has a sacred meaning behind it. Wearing anklets is a sign of good fortune for her spouse and family. Wearing anklets is thought to bring optimism into the home, warding off all bad energy. The sound of knuckles in the anklet, according to the scripture, resists harmful energies. Aside from that, it activates heavenly forces that safeguard the woman from evil gaze. Anklets bring wealth and prosperity to the home.The melodious sound made by the anklets when walking fills the air with vivid energy, and the beautiful ringing of little bells linked to it draws everyone’s attention to the woman’s feet and her magnificent decoration.
Wearing an anklet has always carried considerable symbolism, but today’s wearer picks the style depending on their own personality and taste. Every day, new anklet styles and sorts emerge, and each one is more magnificent and lovely than the previous item.
The Mehendi ritual kicks off the festivities of an Indian wedding. The bride-to-be and all the females in the home assemble for a fun-filled evening/noon to adorn their hands with stunning floral, bird, and abstract henna design patterns. One of the most important and enjoyable pre-wedding rites in Indian weddings, some families combine the Mehendi and sangeet ceremonies ceremonies into one magnificent event.
When the festivities start, the female relatives of the family apply mehndi to their palms. This ritual is done by both the Indian bride’s and groom’s family. Even the colour of mehndi is significant in Indian culture, since the darkness of the colour represents the degree of love between the husband and mother-in-law. It represents the couple’s love and affection, and it is considered that the longer it remains, the more auspicious it is. Traditionally, the bride is not permitted to work in her husband’s home until her mehndi colour has entirely faded. In Hindu tradition, mehndi is applied on all major events, festivals, and vrats (fasts). It is significant for festivals like Karwa Chauth, Rakhi, and Diwali. It is also termed a shagun, which is distinguished by a huge dot in the centre of the hand and four smaller dots on the sides.
There is a wide range of mehndi patterns available nowadays to make this traditional practice of henna application more fascinating, trendy, and engaging. Arabic Mehndi, Rajasthani Mehndi, Crystal Mehndi, Tattoo Mehndi, and other types, as well as classic Indian Mehndi, are among the most popular mehndi styles today. Mehndi designs typically include floral patterns, religious symbols, and other elements that lend beauty and originality to each design.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best mehendi design alternatives for the bride’s feet and legs, ranging from Arabic style to minimalistic patterns. This list is a must-see for brides who are getting married soon.
The jewellery design is something that all trendy mehndi design enthusiasts would adore. Your requirements might range from making a gorgeous anklet to making toe rings or even adorning your legs with henna crowns. Even if you avoid the original heavy jewellery, the bridal mehndi jewellery will lend a regal touch to your legs. It appears like you are continually wearing gorgeous jewellery on your feet.
There are several methods to include floral motifs into your mehndi, such as strings decorated with beads and flowers or a large luxurious blossom at the centre of the foot. Flowers have always been a favourite of mehndi artists across the world, so why not make a stunning design inspired by these natural wonders?
Jali pattern is one famous mehndi idea that every girl has undoubtedly used at least once before her wedding and secretly adores, whether she is a tiny girl or a huge grown-up one. The jali patterns might be simple henna blocks or more intricate jali designs according to your preferences. You may also combine two distinct jali patterns to suit your personal taste.
Arabic henna patterns have always played an essential part in improving the popularity of Indian Mehndi designs. The simple Arabic imprint for the foot not only plays with simplicity and artistic style, but it also makes your feet look really lovely. Especially at weddings and photographs, where the gorgeous finish of the design embarks as an artistic essence of the bride. The beautiful pattern on the toes here takes the prize!
The intricate design incorporates symmetrical henna with gorgeous foliage and floral designs.Ornate bird drawings, pinjaras, and bell designs are included in the new-age traditional henna. That is exactly what makes up this eye-catching mehendi pattern. The idea for bridal henna doesn’t get any better than this for brides-to-be.
Getting a mehndi pattern on the sole of your foot is not particularly popular, but it is widespread in many Indian communities as part of their ceremonies since it is seen to be auspicious. So, whether you are getting ready for a particular occasion that requires mehndi on the soles of your feet or you simply want to have those designs on the sole to give your feet a whole different look, it is critical that you choose the proper design. An enchanting yet simple mehendi pattern on the sole may give your foot a gorgeous look that you would want to show off
Mandalas are a fascinating part of mehndi patterns that may be fashioned into complicated designs full of fine beads and motifs or spread out enough to produce a subtle design. This is the perfect wedding mehndi design for legs for someone who wishes to cover their legs in a not-so-detailed yet not-so-simple approach.
Moroccan mehndi, as opposed to flowers and leaves, has a particular tribal emblem, zig-zag lines, and geometric shapes. Moroccan Mehndi Designs are readily distinguished by these three characteristics. These mehndi patterns will resemble western mehndi tattoos, but in Moroccan mehndi, zig-zag lines and tribal motifs are prominent on both the feet and the hands.
Traditional Design
Image – Pexels
Nothing makes a bride happier than the customary mehndi during her wedding. Why not go for a design that is both conventional and appealing when it comes to the foot? The use of flowers, symbols, and magnificent intricate structures makes this design incredibly appealing and draws attention to the contour of the foot beautifully. The design may be as simple as the designs on the hands and legs – it functions like a trail of designs. Beautiful and captivating!
Conclusion
Henna or Mehndi is also well-known for its therapeutic benefits across the world. Because of its medicinal properties, it was once employed as a cosmetic. Mehndi is commonly used as a conditioner and hair colouring by both men and women across the world. It is a natural dye that gives hair a gorgeous hue and a shiny appearance. Mehndi is also renowned for its cooling properties and is consequently utilised in hot climes in India and other nations. It can also be used to relieve headaches, fevers, scorching feet, and even hysteria or a violent temper. It can improve the gloss of your nails, treat muscle tightness, and even treat jaundice.
Henna is popular these days, and many people are experimenting with different methods to use it. It is increasingly widely utilised, particularly in the West, to create tattoos on various regions of the body. Tattoos are applied on the arms, wrists, navel, shoulder, and back. Henna is also being used for body art.
Maharashtra has a perfectly juxtaposed image; it conjures up images of various states where people of all religions coexist. India’s second-most populous state is home to individuals from all cultures and walks of life. As one of India’s most multicultural states, festivals of Maharashtra are vibrant and serve as a shining example of cultural inclusion to the rest of the globe. Communities are seen interacting and enjoying a good time together in this cosmopolitan state, regardless of religion, caste, or faith. Festivals, which take place almost every month in the city, bring these individuals together. Maharashtrians take their holiday celebrations far too seriously, and they entirely immerse themselves in the joy of the festivities, which is a sight to witness.
Lord Ganesha is the most beloved deity in Maharashtra, and Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in magnificent style. Preparations for the auspicious day when Lord Ganesh was born began with tremendous zeal in August. It is an 11-day event that begins with the installation of colorfully painted Ganesh idols in houses and gigantic pandals reflecting religious and cultural themes.
Ganesh statues are revered, and several cultural activities are held. People crowd the massive pandals in order to catch a sight of their chosen God. Everyone looks forward to visiting friends and relatives to give prayers, share in the celebrations, and eat some excellent cuisine. It’s also an excellent opportunity to indulge in modaks (steamed rice-flour dumplings with luscious coconut and ghee filling), which are thought to be the Lord’s favorite dish. On the 11th day, it is time to wish Ganesha farewell. The idols are carried in a procession, accompanied by music and dance, to be immersed in the sea or a local river or lake. People are immersed in the spirit of dance and music during this procession, which depicts Maharashtra’s vibrant culture.
Nag Panchali, an important festival in Maharashtra, is held on the fifth day of the holy month of Shravan in honour of the Snake God Shesha Nag. Snake worship is an important practice in India, and cobras made of clay are revered in houses during this festival. It is mostly seen for two reasons. To begin, the nags’ (snakes’) habitation forms the bottom of the patal lok, and the nags’ blessings are sought for the family’s well-being. Second, the nags (snakes) protect the crops from mice and vermin, thus farmers pray to the nag-devta and express their gratitude. People provide sweets and milk sacrifices to the snake god. Snake charmers carry cobras in baskets and solicit contributions from the people on the streets. The day is commemorated with street dances and singing. People go to nag temples as well as Shiva temples because the nag is strongly linked with Lord Shiva.
Gudi Padwa marks the start of a fortunate new year, and Hindus regard it as one of the most auspicious days. It occurs on the first day of the Lunar calendar, signaling the start of the new year. It is celebrated with tremendous fanfare and display throughout the state. Households are decked with garlands and rangolis, and a gudhi is erected outside the home to welcome wealth and good health. Gudhi is a victory emblem represented by a bamboo stick wrapped in a silk fabric. It is decorated with flowers and is given treats.
People celebrate the new year by worshiping the gudhi and distributing prasad to members of the community. Adults and children equally cook and enjoy sweet foods such as shrikhand and basundi. Many processions are held around the state to celebrate Maharashtra’s culture and customs. Thousands of people flock to view the festivities and participate in the festivities. This is one of the saade-teen muhurtas, and any new enterprise begun on this day is expected to be successful and prosperous. As a result, this day is regarded particularly fortunate for buying or moving into a new home, buying a car, establishing a new company, and so on.
Narali Pournima is celebrated in several parts of Maharashtra on the full moon day of the month of Shravan. During the monsoon season, the sea is hazardous for fishing, thus fishermen avoid it. The conclusion of the monsoon and the start of the new fishing season are marked by Narali Pournima, when fishermen placate the sea deity before sailing off in their gorgeously decked boats.
‘Naral’ means ‘coconut,’ and ‘Pournmia’ is the full-moon day when coconut gifts are presented to the sea deity. As the fishing season begins, the fishermen make offerings of coconuts and prayers to the sea-god, seeking his blessings to avoid any mishaps. On this day, coconut sweets are consumed. Narali Pournima also falls on the same day as Raksha Bandhan, a festival in which brothers promise to protect their sisters and sisters tie a thread around their brothers’ wrists as a sign of respect and affection.
Gokul Ashtami, also known as Janmashtami, commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. On the eve of Lord Krishna’s birth, devotees fast till midnight. Krishna-janma, the birth of Lord Krishna, is commemorated at midnight in temples and households with bhajans (devotional songs).
Gokulashtami is observed the next day. Devotees recall how the Lord loved butter and would go to tremendous lengths to get it. The dahi-handi is a ceremony conducted on this day in honour of the adored Lord. High above the streets, clay pots filled with curd, puffed rice, and milk are strung. After slipping into the residences of gopis to steal butter, groups of eager young people create human pyramids to reach up and smash them open, just like Lord Krishna and his associates. People swarm to observe these human pyramids and their attempts to smash the pot of butter.
Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayan or Pongal in various areas of the nation, is the winter solstice holiday. It marks the beginning of spring, when the sun departs the southern hemisphere and begins its trek in the northern hemisphere. On this day, kites may be seen filling the sky, continuing the great history of kite-flying. To keep everyone warm, meals of gulachi poli (jaggery flatbreads) are cooked.
Small sweet sesame laddoos (balls) are specifically created on this day. People visit friends’ and relatives’ houses and say, “Til gul ghya ani god god bola,” which means, “Accept this til-gul and talk pleasantly.” It is a day when everyone resolves to put past feuds and disagreements behind and move forward with mutual love and respect. A pooja for newly married ladies and newborn infants is another typical cultural event. They are dressed in black and adorned with ornaments made of small sugary sweets, and everyone enjoys singing, dancing, and making merry.
Just as the country honours sibling love on Raksha Bandhan, this Maharashtra festival honours this particular bond on an additional day. It is a spectacular celebration of all the festivity and rivalry of this eternal friendship, celebrated on the fifth and final day of Diwali. Brothers are historically regarded as sisters’ guardians, and on this day, sisters welcome their brothers to their homes. A delicious supper of basundi poori, shrikhand poori, and other brother favourites is served. Gifts are given, and there is overall joy and excitement all around.
The Ellora caves, a UNESCO world heritage site, are one of the state’s most important historical landmarks. Ellora festival is a celebration of culture, classical music, and dance set against the stunning Ellora caverns. The performances at this big event, organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, are sure to captivate you. The Ellora festival honours the grandeur of Indian art and cultural traditions at one of the country’s most scenic and historical locations. There are also a number of stalls displaying the arts and crafts of local craftsmen and sculptors. Everyone interested in Indian arts, crafts, and rituals should go.
Ashadhi Ekadashi, which is celebrated in honour of the great Hindu god Vishnu, is the finale of the epic Pandharpur chi Vari (Journey to Pandharpur). Pandharpur is a town in Maharashtra on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River that is said to be the home of Vitthal, a local version of the great God. Almost a month in preparation, millions of pilgrims embark on a foot journey to the holy city. It’s a sight to behold as millions of people pour into this little city, propelled solely by their trust in the Lord. The Warkaris (those who have completed this journey) chant holy melodies and live in extremely basic conditions during the journey, and the environment is one of profound dedication and mutual support, since everyone’s ultimate goal is to approach the Lord and fall at his feet. People around the state fast and eat only basic foods as a remembrance of the Warkaris’ trek, as well as a symbol of loyalty and confidence in their Vithu Mauli (The Lord).
The Mangala Gauri vrat is a very holy fast celebrated mostly by newly married ladies in Maharashtra. Special pujas are done in honour of Goddess Gowri on this day. To do this puja, women dress in traditional attire. By performing this ritual, women seek the blessings of Goddess Gowri for their husbands’ well-being and a happy married life together. On this day, women draw beautiful rangolis, and the pooja area is also nicely decorated. During this puja, married women offer 16 laddus to their sister-in-laws and mother-in-law, and then this Prasad is offered to a Brahmin. The devotees then light 16 wick lamps to perform aarti in front of the Goddess. On the following day of the puja, the idol of Goddess Gowri is immersed in a pond. It is said that once started, this puja should be performed for 5 years in a row for the peace and harmony of the family.
Bail Pola, like Lohri in North India, is a harvest festival celebrated by farmers throughout Maharashtra. It falls on Pithori Amavasya, the new moon day of Shravan’s holy month. Bullocks, which are an essential part of agriculture – essentially the backbone of it – are worshipped on this day.
They are bathed, decorated with ornaments, and paraded through the village, accompanied by music and dancing. The order in which the bulls are brought out into the village represents the farmers’ social standing.
Chattrapati Maharashtra’s greatest king was Shivaji Maharaj. He was well-known for his bravery and brilliance. He built the groundwork for a Hindu kingdom that lasted over two centuries before being conquered by the British. All Maharashtrians hold him in high respect, and his birthday is commemorated as Shivaji Jayanti across the state.
Several pandals have been erected around the state to honour the great king. Actors or statues enact epic battles, the king’s wisdom, generosity, and courage. Processions are held to tell the stories of his greatness, and songs celebrating his bravery and kingship are sung. The state remembers their great king fondly and vows to emulate his qualities in their daily lives.
Kojagiri Poornima, also known as Ashwin Poornima, is observed on the full moon day of Ashwin to commemorate the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season. Some think that Goddess Laxmi appears in various locations at night to keep people awake by playing games, dancing, singing, and generally having a good time. These occasions are typically honoured with community meals that include basic yet wonderful foods such as chilled milk and rice crackers.
The moon and the earth are said to be particularly near on this day, thus everyone is encouraged to remain up all night since the moon’s rays are claimed to have healing qualities.
14. Banganga Festival
Image – Ghumnewala
The Banganga Celebration, a musical homage to Lord Ram, is a two-day festival conducted every year at Malabar Hills in Mumbai. The Indian Heritage Society and the MTDC are organising it (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation). This musical carnival honours and protects the state’s rich heritage. A cultural extravaganza is held in January at Banganga, where cultural enthusiasts can see some of the country’s top artists perform live classical music concerts. It also helps to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Walkeshwar temple’s historical Banganga tank. Lord Rama is said to have stopped here in search of freshwater, and when he couldn’t find any, he shot an arrow. The location where the arrow landed on the ground is thought to be the exact location of the Banganga tank, which supplied Lord Rama with Ganges water.
Maharashtra Day is one of the state’s most prominent holidays. The day is marked by parades, ceremonies, political speeches, and many types of public gatherings and private celebrations in honour of Maharashtra’s traditions and customs. Every year, a huge celebration is conducted in Shivaji Park in Mumbai, which is attended by the Governor. Maharashtra was established on May 1, 1960. The day is known as Maharashtra Day or Mahatashtra Diwas in the Marathi-speaking state. Maharashtra Day commemorates not only statehood but also the legacy and culture of the Maharashtrian people.Maharashtrians also commemorate Maharashtra Diwas by performing traditional Lavani performances – narration of poems penned by Marathi saints – and holding processions around the state. On Maharashtra Day, the state government and various commercial enterprises introduce new projects and programmes.
Plan a trip to Maharashtra during these festival seasons to see the state in all its glory, with streets lit up with ruffles bringing people from all walks of life together.
70% of the human body is made of water, which plays an important role in human health. Therefore, civilizations, both ancient and modern, have made it a priority. Almost all settlements have traditionally clustered around water sources. However, in most cases, the water requires purification before consumption.
With time the ways of purification have evolved drastically. While now, we have water purifiers packed with RO, UV, UF, TDS and various other technologies. But have you ever thought about what was used before introducing these technologies? Keep reading to find out which are India’s traditional water purification methods.
Traditional water purification methods:
The various traditional water purification methods will help you understand how far the journey of water purification methods has come in several years. Following are some of the traditional water purification methods that were commonly used in India:
1. Purification through Winnowing Sieve:
This purification method is used when water is polluted by wind-borne impurities such as dry leaves, stalks, and coarse particles. People used to pour water through a winnowing sieve to filter the impurities. It was widely used by people who lived in villages. However, this method cannot purify water containing a high amount of turbidity or mud.
2. Purification through Cloth:
This method can be considered one of the oldest water purification methods that were practised widely. This process used thin white cotton cloth or discarded garments as the filter medium. It can easily filter raw water containing such impurities as plant debris, insects, dust particles or coarse mud particles. However, this purification method is not ideal for highly turbid water. It was widely used to filter well water. In some areas of India, if the raw water is muddy and highly odorous, then the wood ash of the Sal tree (Shora robuta) is mixed with water and filtered through cloth.
3. Purification through Clay Vessels:
India has an exceptional grip over pottery. People used clay utensils to cook food, store them and in many other ways. Clay vessels with a suitable pore size are sometimes used to filter highly turbid water. First, the turbid water is collected in a big clay jar and allowed to settle down. Next, the water in the jar will trickle through the porous clay wall of the jar. This trickled water is collected in a vessel by placing it at the bottom of the porous clay jar. This doesn’t just purify the water but also helps keep it cool.
4. Purification using Plant Parts:
Highly turbid water with fine suspended and colloidal particles were first coalesced and settled out using the nuts of a locally available plant in some of the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, India, which is then filtered using cloth filters. Nuts excrete coagulant chemicals that can purify the water’s impurities. Wiry roots of the rhizomes from the ‘ramachham’ were placed in a clay jar, with a tiny holes in its bottom. The raw water is then poured inside, and then the water is allowed to filter through this layer of roots, resulting in clean water being stored at the bottom of the jar. Such water is usually clean and has a nice smell as well.
5. Jempeng Stone Filter Method:
This method cuts a small artificial pond or bypass channel by an irrigation canal carrying muddy water. Jempeng stone filter units were usually placed in artificial ponds. This unit has an average height of 60 cm, a diameter of 50 cm, and a wall of 10–12 cm thickness. The unit is placed on the top of a stone-supporting gravel bed, and the water is filtered through the filter unit’s porous wall and collected inside. This method can purify highly turbid water. Besides, the only cost involved is the investment cost; no maintenance is required in such a unit.
These are some of the commonly used traditional water purification methods in India. According to the analysis made by The Readers Time, they are not as effective as modern, advanced technology-infused purifiers. But they are quite efficient in their ways. You may still use them to purify your water if the impurities content of the source of your water is low to moderate.
GI tags or Geographical Indication tags are assigned to products that are developed in specific geographic regions or locations in India. The spatial importance is reflected and required in the conception and execution of the product. The GI certification is given to agricultural, industrial, as well as handcrafted products.
What makes GI products stand out is their traditional and heritage significance. These products or agricultural and food items are distinctly characteristic of the region in which they are manufactured, handcrafted or grown. Their recognition lies in their connection with the particular region, city or town. Besides, especially handicrafts, the value of a product is merited with the importance of the craft and skill being passed down through generations. In many ways, giving a GI tag to such products, boosts their markets, as well as, preserves and acknowledges the need to continue passing and enhancing heritage artistic creativities.
There are more than 300 products that have a GI tag attached to them in India. Each state has its own list of GI products, with Karnataka currently leading as the state with the maximum number of GI tagged items.
Different types of products are given the GI tag and one such manufactured, as well as handmade product are toys. One would wonder why toys are of any significance. However, the toy market of India contributes around $50 billion in terms of revenue and business.
Toys have always been children’s best friends. And their importance has only increased in recent times, with science and education both recognizing the value and contribution that toys have on the creative, emotional, social and intellectual development of children.
India has several GI tagged toys that not only are created using traditional and ubiquitous methods. But also, are steeped in the culture and social milieu of the country. Here is taking a look at the different toys that have been certified GI tags in India.
Channapatna Toys
Image – Shipra Basu Roy
Channapatna toys are instantly recognizable and uniquely wonderful. These wooden toys come in all shapes and sizes and today you can find them on sale in even big international toy stores. They received the GI tag in 2005. Made in the Karnataka town of Channapatna, these toys are traditionally made using the wood from the Wrightia tinctoria tree, also commonly known as ivory wood.
The town itself is also called Gombegala Ooru or toy town and its origins can be traced to the reign of Tipu Sultan. Tipu Sultan was known to be a patron of arts and woodwork and that is perhaps how the Channapatna toys were first conceived. However, years later Bavas Miyan learned the art of Japanese doll making and incorporated it into the toy art of the region.
Today the Channapatna toys and dolls are not only made using ivory wood, but the wood of different trees, such as rubber, cedar, sycamore, pine, teak etc. are used. The main work deals with wood lacquering. The wood is cut, pruned and then carved to fit into the designs for toys. The final product is polished and painted with vegetable natural dyes because it is children who use it the most.
With the help of the government of Karnataka and many other social organizations, the Channapatna toys and dolls have a reasonably good market and customer base. The toys made are categorized for different age groups. They are safe, colorful and durable making them attractive play and learning tools for kids. Simple toys, such as ring stacks, animal figures, blocks etc. are all creations of the Channapatna community.
The Kondapalli Bommallu toys are made in the town of Kondapalli, Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh. These toys were given the GI tag in 1999. The Bommallu or Toys colony is where these toys are created and manufactured within the town. These wooden toys have been made for more than 400 years now and the artisans who create them are called Aryakhastriyas. The original artisans were believed to have migrated in the 16th century from Rajasthan.
The Kondapalli toys are not only toys created for children. But they are also culturally significant and assembled with great care in homes during various festivals, such as Navratri and Sankranti.
The toys are made from the soft wood or Tella Poniki that are available in the region. The wood is carved and the different pieces of the toy are cemented together using makku. Makku is a paste made from tamarind seed and sawdust. Once the pieces are joined, the final toy is painted.
The toys range from mythological figures, to birds, animals, dolls etc. One of the most popular Kondapalli toys is the Dancing doll.
Made from terracotta, the Thanjavur doll is an actionable doll that wobbles or is a bobblehead. Basically, the doll vibrates or moves when pushed as the weight of the doll and its center of gravity is located in the bottom of the toy. The doll hence appears to be dancing and undoubtedly, flutters a smile on the faces of children and adults alike.
The Thanjavur Doll originates from the city of Thanjavur, also initially known as Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. It was given the GI tag in 2008-09 and has traditionally been made by hand for generations.
The head of the doll is usually larger which allows the oscillating movement. The dolls also represent the classical dance forms of the country, such as Bharatnatyam, Manipuri or Kathakali. These dolls are painted in the dance attires and traditional clothing, makeup and accessories. Additionally, their dance-like movements make them highly adorable. The dolls have different parts of their body attached to them. The legs, upper body, head and lower body are joined to create the final structure.
These terracotta handmade dolls do face competition from plastic and factory manufactured dolls. However, the authenticity and sheer cultural nuances along with the rawness and craftsmanship of the dolls make them loved and desired.
Unlike the wooden toys and dolls, Ganjifa cards are a card game and were certified a GI tag in 2008. Ganjjifa the card game is believed to have originated in Persia. But in the 19th century this card game found its place in India. It was in Mysore under the rule of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III that the game truly developed and several complex games were invented using the Ganjifa cards. The game also became popular in the Mughal courts where opulent sets were made for the royals to play.
Later when the general public started playing the game, the cards were made using palm leaf, wood, cloth etc. The game is played in different ways and the cards vary in size, color, shape, design accordingly. The cards are rectangular or circular and were traditionally painted by artisans. The Ganjifa cards are not as popular as some of the other GI tag toys.
Kathputlis
Image – Pexels
The puppets or Kathputlis from Rajasthan are a delight to watch. Children enjoy watching puppet shows and puppets as toys are a creatively smart way to engage children in storytelling. Agricultural laborers called Bhats were amongst the first to introduce the kathputlis in the Marwar district of Rajasthan.
The puppet is made from wood, metal wire and cloth. The string doll has been an important instrument in telling folk and historical stories to the masses over the years.
The wooden toys from Nirmal town in Telangana are made from softwood and received the GI tag in 2009. It is believed that the art of toy making flourished during the rule of Nimma Naidu in the 17th century. The Naqqash community of craftsmen began making these toys during the reign of the Nizams during which the art form continued to be patronized. The district of Nirmal has been a hotspot of craftsmanship and manufacturing for a long. The Naqqash artisans probably bought this art form from Rajasthan, though there is no concrete evidence of the same.
The toys are made using local wood called white sander and poniki. The pieces of wood are cut in various shapes and sizes according to the requirements of the toy. They are then stuck together using the chinta lappam, a glue prepared from sawdust and tamarind seeds. With white clay the toys are coated, then dried and finally colored or painted. Besides the Nirmal toys, Nirmal paintings and crafts are also quite famous.
The Kinhal toys are again wooden toys that are made in Kinhal in North Karnataka. It was awarded the GI tag in 2012. The Chitragara are the artisans who create these toys using light weight wood. Just as the other wooden toys, the wood is cut and then pasted to each other using a local paste or glue made from different indigenous local materials.
Some of the other toys that are GI tagged include the leather toys of Indore, leather puppets of Andhra Pradesh etc. and more recently the Etikoppaka toys (wooden) from Andhra.
The GI tagged toys are a wonderful way to encourage the local artisans and traditional methods of artistic forms. Also, the toys are not only play things but an important reflection of the culture of the region too.
Katt Williams Net Worth’s net worth is a source of excitement and mystery in the huge realm of social media, drawing in users from all over the world. Upon the arrival of 2024, conversations on various social media sites became increasingly focused on the financial situation of this prominent comedian. What sparked this intense conversation was Williams’s guest appearance on the venerable Club Shay podcast, which is hosted by none other than Shannon Sharpe. Even with the shadows left by previous scandals, Williams grabbed the limelight and boldly confronted powerful figures in the industry, sparking a firestorm of passionate comments and lively discussions among fans throughout the globe.
Discovering Surprises and Sparking Controversies
Following Williams’ open disclosures in the podcast interview, a torrent of discussion and analysis erupted, flooding the internet with passionate debates and contemplative reflections on the illusive line separating reality from illusion. Williams’ bold claim to be “one of the richest human beings that ever lived” acted as the focal point of the conversation, drawing viewers into a contemplative space about the actual extent of his wealth. Williams’ moving description of wealth as including contentment and happiness, however, gave nuance to the conversation amid the conjecture and encouraged reflection on what prosperity really is beyond financial plenty.
Overcoming Early Difficulties A Tale of Triumph and Adaptability
The story of Katt Williams Net Worth rise from impoverished upbringing to widespread recognition is replete with tales of tenacity and perseverance. Born Micah Williams on a cool September day in 1971 in the middle of Cincinnati, Ohio, his life took a turn for the worst when, at the age of thirteen, he was facing homelessness as a result of his parents’ abandonment of him. Raised in the loving arms of Christian Jehovah’s Witnesses, his travels back and forth between Haiti and the United States forged a strong character and gave him a complex outlook that would influence his future.
Uncovering Wisdom, The Quest for Enlightenment
Katt Williams Net Worth shows himself from the beginning of his journey not just as a humorous virtuoso but also as a brilliant thinker with a voracious appetite for knowledge. His insatiable thirst for knowledge, demonstrated by his resolve to learn many languages by the age of three and his early, avid reading of literature, drove his desire for freedom from the restrictions of his religious upbringing. His transformation from a bright youngster to an experienced mind ready to question the status quo and rewrite the rules of artistic expression was largely fueled by this insatiable thirst for knowledge.
A Decade Dedicated to Comedic Celebrity
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Moving from Stage to Screen An Adaptable Conductor
Katt Williams Net Worth’ inventiveness extended beyond the boundaries of stand-up comedy, leaving a lasting impression on both big and small screens. His legendary roles as Money Mike in “Friday After Next” and A Pimp Named Slickback in “The Boondocks” catapulted him into the highest echelons of Hollywood recognition and cemented his reputation as a notable figure in the entertainment industry. Williams enthralled audiences with his magnetic presence and unmatched charisma with every performance, showcasing his chameleonic ability to inhabit characters with depth and delicacy.
Interpreting the Mysteries The Financial Conversation Around Williams
Even though Williams is still an undoubtedly excellent comedian, questions about his wealth have generated a lot of controversy and interest. Reassessments have been spurred by claims of huge gains from operations such as Netflix transactions, despite early estimates estimating his revenues at $2 million. However, outside the domain of financial measurements is an unchangeable fact: Katt Williams Net Worth‘ influence is not limited by money, solidifying his standing as a key player in the comedy business, despite differing assessments.
In conclusion
Katt Williams Net Worth’ journey from lowly beginnings to global superstar status is evidence of his unbreakable will, keen intelligence, and unshakable dedication to his work. There is no denying that Katt Williams Net Worth will always be remembered as an unstoppable titan of the entertainment industry, his lasting influence on the comedy and entertainment sectors lasting through the ages, despite ongoing discussions about his net worth and legacy.
Traditional art forms of India have such unique qualities that separate one art form from another. Centuries ago, art travelled with people and moved from its place of origin to new foreign lands. Thanks to such movements, India is now home to one of the rarest forms of art, the Rogan Art.
Rogan art is a centuries-old unique style of art. The Persian art form now settled in Nirona Village of Kutch in Gujarat is a migrant art form that has become a cultural asset for India. Rogan Art is so distinctive that only one particular Khatri family has practised it since it arrived in India. The story of the artist’s practice and survival of the art is equally remarkable.
In this article, we will try to present the history, practice, techniques, and survival of Rogan Art. Without further ado, let us begin.
Rogan Art hails from the land of Persia. The art form crossed many borders and came to India some four hundred years ago. An hour’s drive from Bhuj, Nirona of Kutch is now home to this intricate art. The art form became instantly popular because of its different styles, technique, and patterns. Rogan Art is made by hand, purely out of one’s imagination without any blueprint as reference.
Etymology of Rogan Art
The term Rogan in Persian means oil-based. The Rogan Art’s paint is made from castor oil and hence the name.
Practice of Rogan Art
Traditional Rogan Art Abdulgafur Khatri (Padma shri ) National Award Winner family in Nirona. Village Kutch Gujarat – Roganartnirona.com
When it came to India for the first time, this form of art was practised by the local communities of animal herders and farmers. The art form was prevalent in the bridalwear of the community. But with the introduction of modern textiles and machine-made styles, the unique hand-made state of the art was on the verge of becoming extinct.
Rogan Art, a community art form, is now just a family heirloom. The original Abdul Gafur family of Nirona is the sole practitioner of this art form. At present, the Rogan Art is in its eighth generation of survival with the Gafur family.
The Gafur’s have been in this creative field for so long that the Rogan Art has become their identity. Only because of them, it has further travelled to the USA in 2014 as a prestigious gift for the then President Barack Obama from India. Our Prime Minister’s recognition of the uniqueness of this art came as a blessing for the survival of the art form.
Techniques of performing Rogan Art
Rogan Art Master Artist Sumar D.Khatri National Award winner
The art form’s survival and uniqueness are still intact because of the Gafur family’s dedication to preserving the art form. The family has been practising the art form with all its original techniques and styles.
Rogan Art’s brief history and etymology give a clue that a lot of technique goes into making this art. The patterns of Rogan Art, like other art forms of India, have many intricate details. But even before starting the painting, the formation of the paint itself requires a particular process.
Let us find out all the techniques that go into the formation of Rogan Designs.
Paint used in Rogan Art
The paste of the Rogan Art paint is made from castor oil. The colour pigments are all natural. The process of making the paint’s paste starts with boiling the castor oil. Artists burn the oil in the jungle. After a long period of cooking the oil, it is placed to cool. Once the grease cools down and the oil texture is in the desired rubbery form, the following pigmentation begins. If the surface is not flexible enough, the oil is again put to boil until the required consistency is attained.
On the other hand, the colour pigments are made into a fine paste by adding water to them. The mixing of the colour paste with the boiled oil is done with a stone. Once the colour doughs are made, they are put in containers with water. The water ensures that the paste does not harden.
The primary process of painting begins once the paste of the paint is ready. Here also there is a distinctive style of painting the clothes.
All the patterns of the Rogan Art are directly drawn on the clothes without any reference or pencil drawing on the cloth. It is entirely a free-hand painting. The artists use a metal pin, dab it in the paint container, and twist the paint a few times on the heel of their left hands. The colour starts getting a thread-like quality. With exquisite manoeuvring skills, the colour is put on the clothes in unique patterns.
The most exciting part of this entire process is that the metal pin never touches the cloth. The thread-like quality of the paint enables the artist to twist it according to the pattern he desires in the air. The thin paste of the colour is now applied to the cloth from its airborne state.
Patterns in Rogan Art
Rogan Art – Sumar Khatri
Rogan Art has its origin in Persia, is typically in association with the Islam tradition. Abdul Hamid Gafur, the present carrier of the baton of the Rogan Art, describes the prevalent Islam themes in the patterns. According to the Islam community, human figures are not permissible as motifs. The typical ways of the Rogan Art are flowers, geometric shapes, and the most famous, the ‘Tree of Life’ motif.
Hamid Gafur said in interviews that the pattern works in Masjid’s of Delhi is also a source of inspiration for the designs. Staying true to the original work, the motifs carry the essence of the age-old tradition of the Rogan Art.
The Gafur family undertakes the responsibility of the survival and growth of this intricate art form. The Gafur are indeed trying their best to ensure that the legacy of this unique art form does not end anytime soon.
Rogan Art’s survival is necessary as a cultural asset of the country because of the distinct tradition of the art form. The Gafur’s play their part in sustaining the art form for the future by teaching it to others. The biggest challenge they overcame was including women in practising the art. Earlier, women of the families practising it were not taught the art form. The thought that girls will go to another household after marriage and take the art form with them was not permissible. At present, the Gafur’s take pride in teaching hundreds of girls this beautiful art form.
Breaking free from the stereotype, it has also become popular in online marketing. The only store of the Rogan Art products is the village home of the Gafurs. Thanks to technology, the products are now available online in stores like Amazon. This modification also encourages the artists to make more of it and helps them earn revenues for their hard work. In this way, more people have become aware of Rogan Art and appreciate the unique art form.
Conclusion
Rogan Art is, therefore, an exquisite art form that must be preserved for its tradition and rare style. The art form is typically painted on a dark cloth to highlight the vibrant, glossy colours and the distinct patterns. Earlier the art form was only found on Lehengas, but now other forms of clothing, bags, and even masks have the Rogan Art. Thanks to the Gafur family and their dedication to Rogan Art, India can still take pride in this old traditional art form.
India is a land of various folk art forms and one such unique expression on canvas is Patachitra. Also, known as Pattachitra, it is a form of scroll painting, done on cloth. Derived from two words, ‘pata’ meaning cloth and ‘chitra’ meaning picture, Patachitra is based and originated from the eastern Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal. It is also practiced in Bangladesh.
The Patachitra paintings are divided into Odisha and Bengal Patachitra paintings. The main difference between the two is their themes. The Odisha Patachitra is centered on the depiction of Gods and is confined to temple and religious forms of art. On the other hand, the Bengal Patachitra, though also derives its inspiration from religious texts, the paintings were used for story telling of mythological and folklore tales.
Each of these types of Patachitra paintings is further sub-classified.
There are three types of Odisha Patachitra paintings. The cloth based paintings are called Patachitra. However, the paintings done on walls are known as ‘Bhitti Chitra’, whereas the ones done on palm leaves are called ‘Tala Patra Chitra’ or ‘Pothi Chitra.’ The painting style of all these types is closely similar as the same artists were commissioned to create all these different types of paintings.
The Bengal Patachitra paintings are divided into many sub-types, such as Chalchitra, Durga Pat, Medinipur Patachitra, Tribal Patachitra and Kalighat Patachitra.
The Patachitra paintings probably originated as early as the 5th century. The old temple murals in Puri, Konark and Bhubneswar are evidence to Patachitra paintings being an artistic form in the early centuries. The paintings are closely tied with the spiritual and cultural facets of temple traditions in Odisha. In fact, Lord Jagannath’s present image is often associated with the Patachitra paintings. Every year the deities or idols in Jagannath Temple are taken for a bath during Debasnana Purnima for 15 days. It is during the absence of the deities, that the Patachitra paintings of the Gods are made by the best of Chitrakars. The three Patachitra paintings that are made during this time are of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. These paintings are known as Anasar Patti where the public offers prayers and homage to them.
The entire painting is handmade. First the canvas is prepared. The cotton cloth or strips are coated with a mixture of tamarind seeds made from chalk and gum. The cloth is rubbed with stones and left to dry. Once dried, the leathery finish of the cloth or patta indicates that it is now ready for the artist to work on. The artists practicing Patachitra are such experts that they do not draw a sketch. Instead, they directly use paint to draw the outline of the picture. The colors are then filled and the final image is given a lacquer coating to withstand different weathers and add a slight sheen to the painting. In fact, the painting is held on top of a fire, such that the painting’s back is exposed to the heat. Lacquer is applied on the other side of the painting.
Patachitra paintings are created following a set of rules. There are basic techniques and styles that are fundamental to them. For example, the painting must have a floral border. Similarly, the images or face profiles of deities have elongated eyes and prominent facial expressions. Also, Patachitra paintings use natural colors.
Painters use natural colors and prepare them with care and arduous work. The gum from the Wood Apple or Kaitha tree is the base which is usually used for creating the colors. Black is derived from the lamp soot, white from the paste of conch shells. Similarly, yellow comes from the Hartal stone and orange from the Gerua stone. Leaves of the Hyacinth plant are powdered to make green, whereas, red comes from the Hingula rock. Indigo is prepared from Ramaraja and violet from blackberries. The Patachitra paintings usually use bright vivid colors and their paint brushes are also naturally made from the hair of animals. The paintbrush stick is made using bamboo.
Over time, in spite of artificial colors and canvases, most Patachitra artists continue to use naturally available ingredients and eco-friendly methods to create their paintings.
Besides the paintings depicting Gods and Goddesses associated with the Jagannath Temple, the Bhakti Movement in the 16th century saw Patachitra paintings of Krishna and Radha. Tales and scenes from epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata were also painted and continue to be themes around which Patachitra artists create their piece of art.
Also, there is not much depiction of natural beauty or landscapes in Patachitra paintings. The focus is on figures and their expressions that are highlighted through their face or body language. The image lines are clear and distinctive and the postures articulate the mood of the figure. The outfits of the figures are also believed to have an influence from the Mughal era.
Tala Pattachitra or Palm leaf Pattachitra is another popular form of art. Here the palm leaves are sewn together to form the base or canvas for the painting. The picture is sketched using white or black ink and the palm leaves are held together in a way, such that they can be folded or unfolded.
The Chitrakaras in earlier days were said to follow a strict schedule while painting. For example, they were to remain vegetarian, wear new clothes or not sleep on a mattress. Once the painting was completed, certain prayers were chanted before it was taken to the temple. Also, traditionally, the men and women in the house were involved in the creation of the paintings. Women helped in preparing the glue, canvas and the lacquer coating. The main artist, usually the men, made the images and gave the painting its final touches.
Today Patachitra artists have spread out, though most still remain confined to the eastern Indian states. However, around 14km from Puri, in the village of Raghurajpur, there are more than 100 chitrakara families who practice Patachitra paintings. It is the only village in India where practically every household is involved in this artistic pursuit. The paintings are created for the Gods and its artists have in recent times diversified their skill to create palm leaf paintings, carvings on coconut shells, Tussar painting and more. Some other villages where this art form continues to flourish are Paralakhemundi, Sonepur, Chikiti etc. Besides, artists today use the Pattachitra style to create wall hangings, showpieces, toys, wooden carvings etc. Many also teach this art form both domestically and internationally.
The Bengal Patachitra is similar to the Odisha Patachitra in style and technique. However, the only difference is in the theme. Bengal Patachitra paintings are more social and cultural in nature. They are based on society, traditions, folklore and religious or mythological stories. The Patachitra artist in this school of art is known as a Patua. Hence, many believe that the origin of Bengal Patachitra may be connected to the history of Patua Sangeet. However, there is no clear evidence of when this art form began.
Also, a song is always related to a Bengal Patachitra. The artist sings the songs, while unfolding the painting. The song known as Patua Sangeet or Poter Gaan, along with the Patachitra were means to bring forth to the public issues, such as current news, elections, folklores, family planning, ills of dowry system and more. Some of the villages where this art form was most popular include Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Jhargram and more.
The other types of Bengal Patachitra, such as Chalchitra create the idol of Durga as a background. Similarly, Durga Pot is a piece of art that is worshiped. The Bengal Patachitra is also varied because there are subtle differences in color or design from region to region. For example, the scrolls of Birbhum or Bankura prefer red colored backgrounds, whereas, those of Hooghly use dark brown.
Finally, the Patachitra paintings are a traditional form of art that are deeply interconnected with the spiritual and religious aspects of certain geographic regions in the country. However, their intricacy and exceptional artistic details have made them renowned all over the world.
