Mata ni Pachedi

This art form belongs to the Banjara's (Nomads) of Gujarat, India. They are huge devotees of Goddess Durga, and as they keep moving from one place to another, instead of building a temple, they move the idol of the goddess with them on a chariot. This is where the concept of Art comes from - Goddess on the Chariot. Along with the Goddess, there are small intricate details like the sun, trees, river, etc. What makes this art form unique is its method of preparation. The artform is made without using any synthetic dyes or brushes. The cotton cloth from the market is considered unfit for dying, so it is soaked in Myrobalan seed and water mixture to destarch it. This makes the cloth fit for holding the dyes. The drawing is painted using a pointed bamboo branch with black dye - which is formed by fermenting Rusted Iron and jaggery. Later, the colors are added. Traditionally, there are three colors - Red, black and blue. However, these days more colors can be formed. Once the cloth is done painting with bamboo brushes, it is soaked in the mixture of boiling water and Axle wood tree flowers. An old powder which was used in textile industries - Alizarin is also added. This is to enhance the colors of the dyes. After the desired color is achieved, The cloth is rinsed by floating it on running water. Such exquisite and eco-friendly yet beautiful art has been a forgotten part of the Indian continent. What do you think of this beautiful art form? Let us know in the comments!