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Journey of Cotton Khadi Fabric
For the past decade, we have been privileged to understand how cotton Khadi fabric is produced. Thanks to local khadi sanghas, communities, and craftspeople, for letting us know the meticulous processes that go into creating the "Fabric of Freedom". Today, we are excited to share a pictorial guide to help you understand the various steps in transforming raw cotton into khadi fabric.1. Cotton PickingThe journey begins with the careful harvesting of cotton bolls. This process, often done manually, involves collecting the bolls from the cotton plant. It's a labour-intensive task... Read more...
The Purity of Kora Khadi - Celebrating Simplicity
As someone deeply involved in the craft of textiles, I am captivated by the understated beauty of Kora Khadi. I define Kora as the raw and unbleached fabric, off-white in colour, much like the cotton boll in all its purity. This natural, unadulterated hue embodies simplicity, contentment, and the timeless beauty of nature's best offerings.A Symbol of Sustainability and Serenity"Kora Khadi is more than fabric; it's a philosophy of living in harmony with nature."Unlike fabrics treated with harsh chemical dyes, our Kora cotton Khadi products remain purest, requiring minimal energy... Read more...
The Impact of Color on Environment and Health
  Colour is more than a visual experience; it's a language that communicates our emotions and experiences. Expressions like "feeling blue," "green with envy," or "seeing red" highlight how deeply intertwined colour is with our emotions. While colours can brighten our day or calm us down, their impact extends beyond our mood and can significantly affect the environment and our health.The Dual Nature of Color: Beauty vs. ImpactWe live in a world rich with colour, and our desire for vibrant hues often overlooks the potential drawbacks. At the same time,... Read more...
Crafting the Syahi-Begar Block Print
Syahi-Begar block printing is a timeless craft deeply rooted in the heritage of Bagru, Rajasthan. At Metaphor Racha, we are committed to preserving and presenting this exquisite craft in a more digestible and engaging format. This journey of understanding and celebrating Syahi-Begar block printing is not just about the end product but about embracing the spirit and history behind every piece of fabric. Let's delve into the fascinating process that transforms plain cloth into vibrant works of art.Hari Sarana: The Fabric's Fresh StartEvery masterpiece begins with a blank canvas. In... Read more...
The Art and Legacy of Dabu Block Printing
Dabu block printing is a treasured craft meticulously preserved and passed down through generations in the quaint town of Bagru, Rajasthan. As an eco-conscious e-commerce business, Metaphor Racha is committed to supporting and documenting this rich tradition, aiming to shed light on its profound impact on the world of textiles.A Glimpse into the Dabu ProcessDabu, a resist-printing technique, involves covering portions of the cloth with clay or wax to protect these areas from the dye. This unique process allows for the creation of intricate patterns and vibrant backgrounds. The beauty... Read more...
The Timeless Craft of Jahota Print
Jahota, a small village nestled 30 kilometres north of Jaipur, holds a rich tradition of textile printing that dates back to the time of Maharaja Jai Singh and his wife. Under their patronage, the craft of Jahota Print blossomed, though the precise origins and reasons for its flourishing remain mysterious. A Fusion of TechniquesJahota Print, as practised today, is a harmonious blend of two distinct techniques: Syahi-Begar and Dabu. Once the Syahi-Begar print, characterized by its vibrant colours—red, black, brown, and maroon—is completed and washed, the Dabu mud-resist print is applied... Read more...
Pedana Kalamkari: A Heritage Craft
The PlacePedana, a quaint town near Machilipatnam in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, is home to the revered traditional handblock printing method known as Pedana Kalamkari. This craft has its roots in creating religious tapestries and sacred cloths but flourished under the patronage of various ethnic rulers, evolving into a secular art form appreciated worldwide.In the 16th century, Persian explorers discovered the vibrant hand-weaving and block printing communities in the region known then as "Maesolia," now Machilipatnam. Back then, this art was known as "Addakam," meaning printed fabric. The... Read more...
Conversation with a Cotton Farmer
Recently, I was at work in north Karnataka. I decided to visit a few khadi institutes, a ginning mill, and an indigo dyer spread across two districts in a single day. Knowing it would be a long day, I left early in the morning from Hubli and headed towards Badami in a taxi. With the harvesting season in full swing, I expected a cotton harvest. However, I hoped to meet a few farmers and gain more insight into cotton farming from their perspective. On my way, near Naragunda, I happened... Read more...
From Weaver to Wonder Woman.
Weaving magic into life's fabric, Basavanyava Vadavi is the unsung hero of the loom. The Thread That BindsIn a world where the rhythm of life can sometimes unravel the most resilient threads, Basavanyava Vadavi stands tall as a testament to the human spirit and the power of a smiling face. A mother of three and the spouse of a "kaanavali" (a small hotel) owner, Basavanyava has woven herself a life full of vibrancy.First-Gen Weaver ExtraordinaireFor the past 26 years, Basavanyava has been weaving her dreams and the exquisite fabrics that... Read more...