Bandhani work had always fascinated me. Its colors, its patterns, the cute little white dots on bright red, green and yellow colors... seem so delicate and yet so lively.My stay in Gujarat had intensified my love for Bandhani. I love browsing through the beautiful colors offered in this pattern. Every piece is better than every other piece. This confusion has always delayed my shopping for Bandhani.
This year in April, I got the chance to visit Kutch, Gujarat-the place where it is actually made and embellished. Every girl in every household knows how to make Bandhani. Basically, it uses the technique of tie and dye. But practically there is hell lot of task for the women to do. This involves taking every dot, pushing it upwards and tieing a knot around it.Just to have an idea, a meter cloth can have millions of tiny dots called "Bheendi" and four "Bheendis" make one "kadi". Also, an intricate saree design can have more than 75000 dots and each dot needs a separate knot of its own. Sadly, the earnings of these women are far far lesser than the amount of hard work put in.
Apart from Gujarat, this art is also prevalent in Rajasthan and to some extent in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Benaras.The work is available in local stores in these cities while in other cities, one can always find Bandhani work in any shop which sells ethnic wear.
"Bandhej" is one branded retail store which sells only Bandhani work.
I have attached one of my favorite Bandhani pics here:
For more pics, check google Images.
Me shopping for Bandhani in Kutch ! :)
Okay, so when you go to shop for Bandhani, stay prepared for a big dilemma coz you will never be able to decide the final piece you wana buy. You are sure to get stuck at the designs which are expensive. Even while you are leaving the store, your eyes would be stuck on the other beautiful designs.
Secondly, make sure to open the knots at the store only and have a good look at the design. Don't hesitate to look at more designs (though that will confuse you more)
Thirdly, be ready to pay for each dot you are buying on bandhani. Usually, it is priced on the basis of number and size of the dots. While the price is directly proportional to the former, it is inversely proportional to the latter.
Fourthly, stay prepared to see a lot of color going out of the cloth while you wash it (without affecting the beauty though)
Finally, Stay assured that you are the most subtle and yet outstanding beauty dressed in Bandhani.
