The beautiful colors of India and it’s textiles

My first impression of India over the past 39 days, it’s polluted, it’s dirty, dusty, uncomfortable, there is poverty and plastic trash everywhere we go, the air pollution never stops, the food is, well challenging at times…. STOP 🛑 

As they say, India is a country of contrasts. Everywhere we go, people are extremely interested, curious to know about us. Waving to us as we ride by, wanting selfies at every turn, smiling, beautiful faces. Hard working people in the fields on the roads, helpful and gracious in the stalls on the roadside, at the hotels. Wedding parties along the way, celebrations, parades, music, dancing. In the larger cities as I have written about previously, there are flowers in floating water at the hotel entrance and around the grounds, street art full of color, red and yellow tuk tuks flooding the streets.

I’m captivated by the women’s textiles, the color is here for me. Everywhere I go, I’m gazing at the Saree’s and other traditional clothing the women are wearing. There is a never ending variation of fabrics, designs, patterns, colors.

Here are a few good articles on the textiles of India that go through the description of the type of material that’s used to make each style and design of Indian textile. I highly recommend reading these articles, the Textiles of India, In Every Thread a Tale an overview of these incredible textiles used for Saree’s and other traditional clothing.

The textile industry is India’s second largest employment generating sector, directly employing over 35 million people in the country. India is the world’s second largest exporter of textiles and clothing and is the world’s largest producer of cotton and the second largest producer of silk.

If I could, I would buy every style of textile and bring them all back with me, haha, but then what would I do with them? I stroll and/or ride everyday gazing at the clothing that the women are wearing, admiring the beautiful presentation they have. Whether they are walking down a dusty, busy road, working in the fields, or staying at one of our hotels, it’s an endless feast of color and beauty for my eyes.

I did purchase textiles in Jodhpur when we were there. Unfortunately I did not take photos of them before I had them shipped back to the states. They have already arrived and will be waiting for me when I return.

1) Ikat fabric - Ikat involves tying parts of the yarn before dyeing it. Once dyed, the yarn is woven into the fabric, creating detailed patterns. The piece I purchased is made from silk and is 6 meters long (19.6 feet). This particular piece I purchased has several sections with different designs on it so it can be used for a saree or other types of clothing, top, pants, scarf. 

2) Bandhani - The art of Bandhani is a highly skilled process. The technique involves dyeing a fabric which is tied tightly with a thread at several points, thus producing a variety of patterns. Another 6 meter piece, what will I do with it?

3) Sanganeri Blockprint (Rajasthan) - Sangamner block prints are primarily done on an off-white or pure white background with the use of wooden blocks or screen printers. You will find vibrant floral patterns and geometric designs imprinted on the fabrics. One of the most noticeable characteristics of Sanganer prints is their intricate detailing.

I purchased a tunic and pants which I am wearing while I’m here in India,  In addition I purchased a tablecloth with napkins and mailed them back to the states.

Some days it’s hard to look past the hard parts of being in India, but it doesn’t last long when you look beneath the surface to see the inner beauty that’s here.