Clothes with a Rajasthani Flare

 

What made me become interested in learning Hindi?  Among my many reasons, I find the language to be pretty and the culture of Hindi/Urdu-speakers interesting.  But one of my vainer reasons is that I like the clothes! If you’ve seen a Bollywood movie, you know what I’m talking about.  Brightly colored fabric, layered with intricate designs and sparkling sparklies covering every inch, draping over its wearer to highlight her femininity.

Over time, I’ve come to learn that the showy fashion of Bollywood dance numbers, while fascinating, is not everyday wear.  Just like you wouldn’t wear a prom dress to do an Aldi’s run, so too the fancy outfits from the movies aren’t daily attire.  But still, the everyday sarees, salwar kameezes, and even the poshaks are very pretty to me because of their textile designs.  The women who sweep the streets even where dresses with detailed floral designs show their pride in how they adorn themselves, even when doing a common task.

Woman wearing a floral Poshak (dress) at Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower)

Woman wearing a gold and red saree

Woman wearing an orange salwar kameez. She also has her face covered,
a way of wearing the dupatta that is also done with the Poshak.
This is called an Odhni (ओढ़नी, covering)

Rajasthan is known for its fabrics. In Jaipur I saw first-hand the craftsmanship that go into making these iconic prints, skills and knowledge that are passed down from generation to generation. Once I get more settled here in Jodphur, I look forward to learning about Jodphur’s contribution and style.  In fact, during some of my wanderings, I encountered three ladies sitting outside of their home preparing some of the fabric that is used for safas, the famous and brightly colored Rajasthani hats. They were telling me about it and, admittedly, much of it went over my head. I didn’t think to take a picture at that time, but sometimes you just have to be in the moment, you know?

Men wearing Safa hats at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodphur. These are usually worn during special occasions,
like weddings or for tourists. But I have seen men in more 'everyday' safas, or pagdi (पगड़ी, turban)

that are still colorfully fun. 

Hand Crafted for Block Prints

When I was in Jaipur, I toured the Anokhi Museum that highlighted the history of textiles in Rajasthan.  I won't bore you with all the pictures, but here are a few highlights to show you the intricacy and craftsmanship that goes into making the blocks. 

Each block is made by hand using traditional motifs and patterns. These skills and knowledge are passed down within families. 

The blocks are often made as sets, with them being slight variations of each other so that, when the ink is applied it can be done in layers with different colors, overlaying the patterns on top of each other to give the print depth and beauty.

Natural dyes made from plants are colorfast and long-lasting. Each color is layered on top of the other to create a beautifully hued cloth. The pictures below show a 14-step process to bring a boring white cloth to life with vivid colors.

Colorful Prints Show Tradition and Style

India has been known throughout history for its clothing. Just as each state has its own language and culture, they also have their own way of wearing traditional clothes that uniquely expresses their values and traditions. And as I make my way through Jodhpurs shops and as I see all their pretty fabrics and crafts, I have to keep reminding myself 'I'm here to spend time in Jodhpur, not money'. And isn't time the most valuable thing?