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Living Looms of Gujarat

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The people of Kutch speak volumes with their looms, needles and blocks.

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Each of the various communities in the region specialise in a distinct type of textile craft that describes their social and cultural relationships. Like the give and take between nomadic Rebaris and wool weaving Vankars, the story of interdependency of the people is woven into their textile art.

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The women folk of the pastoral communities create the most intricate and elaborate embroidery. It used to be a craft that helped a young girl find a good groom. Today a Kutchi woman makes a livelihood from her creations.

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The quiet pride that the Kutchi people have for their craft has ensured its survival through the centuries. The few days we spend with them learning their craft and understanding their life choices makes us more insightful of our own inner potential.

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Tour Dates:  12 Dec to 20 Dec, 2024

Itinerary Outline

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days

Ahmedabad

The tour starts from here. We stay here for 2 nights, do a workshop with a traditional Mata ni Pachedi artisan, visit the Calico Museum of Textiles, do a heritage walk in the old city and understand the impact of Khadi in Gandhi's Ashram

Bhuj

Bhuj is where we our eyes pop out, jaws drop and we can't get enough of the vibrant and intricate textile craft of the region. We are also enveloped by the warm hospitality of the Kutchi people. The artisans teach us their technique in detail.  We do the block printing,  trying hard to ensure successive Ajrakh blocks are synchronised. The patterns that are revealed after dyeing the Bandhini remind us of stars.  We are taken through the fine process of prepping and weaving the Dhabla shawl by the Vankars. The Rebari women teach us applique, embroidery and mirror work. We spend one night closer to the Rann of Kutch, in a rural resort run by an artisan community.

Mumbai

We fly into Mumbai to connect to our next destination. Stay in Mumbai is not included in our tour. We can help you with the bookings if you need to stay in Mumbai

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Cherished Experiences
  • You create an Ajrakh block printed fabric from scratch

  • You learn the beautiful hand embroidery, applique and mirror work from an rural women in their village.

  • You create a piece of Gujarat’s kalamkari art - Mata Ni Pachedi. Learn from a traditional artisan at his home. Meet his family and understand how the family members contribute to his art.

  • You make your own Bandhini fabric, and understand the fine work typical to Kutch.

  • You study the spinning and weaving process in the loom of a Vankar artisan.

  • You will be enthralled by the intricate and perfect designs demonstrated by a Rogan artist in a remote desert village

  • You listen to the stories narrated by Bell makers in Kutch as they go about their craft.

  • You surf through the antiquity of Indian textiles displayed in the Calico Museum

  • In Shrujan’s Design Centre, you will be amazed by the variety of hand crafts that Bhuj is home to.

  • You get a sense of real community living during a Heritage Walk through Old Ahmedabad

  • You feel the vibration of Gandhiji’s principles as you walk through Sabarmathi Ashram

  • You shop with the local residents in the colourful markets of Bhuj and Ahmedabad

  • You walk along the Tropic of Cancer

  • You will be cared for by our Experienced Tour Director throughout the holiday

  • You enjoy the camaraderie of textile artists – share and learn new techniques.

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You Pay
You get

USD 1950 per person on twin share

Single Supplement USD 400 

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  • Accommodation for 7 nights in 5 star (Ahmedabad),  3 star (Bhuj) and village huts (Rann of Kutch in Bhuj district)

  • All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8

  • 3 workshops (Mata Ni Pachedi, Ajrakh, Bandhini, Dhabla weaving), 3 demos (Kutchi embroidery, Bell making & Rogan art)

  • Heritage walk in Ahmedabad

  • Guided Tour of Calico Museum

  • Fabric shopping in local markets in Ahmedabad and Bhuj

  • Transport by air-conditioned coach

  • One way economy airfare Bhuj – Mumbai

  • All entrances to places of visit in itinerary

  • Tips & gratuities

  • Bottled water as much as you need to drink

  • Services of an experienced Tour Director 

In this tour, our services begin in Ahmedabad from the time we pick you up at airport/train or bus station/ any place within Ahmedabad city. We will be with you till our group reaches Mumbai airport from Bhuj. If you wish to plan visits to other parts of India before or after this tour, we can assist you.

#Terms and conditions apply

Suggested add-on tours

Gujarat has a textile rich neighbour - Rajasthan. Check out the Living Looms of Rajasthan.

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Make Delhi your arrival airport and easily add a 3 day visit to Delhi & Agra before you fly into Ahmedabad

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