Faces of India - 11

My fascination with "Faces of India" continues. I feel that Indian people have expressive faces,making them photographer's delight. Colourful background provides added

 dimension to the beauty of the face.

In today's post, I am uploading photographs of the people I have captured on the Indian streets in various situations.

Pol of Ahmedabad is a wonderful place for people watching.

Sometimes,you see really interesting and funny sights on the streets of India.

Donkeys also needed parking place!

Buffalo looked longingly at someone carrying sugarcane!

While one side of the road was occupied by the sugarcane sellers,other side had congregation of painters.

Turn the corner and you can see thread dyers, preparing thread for the approaching kite festival.

Matani Pachhedi -Kalamkari art from Gujarat, India

Making of Matani Pachhedi(backdrop) is traditional craft from Ahemedabad,major town of Gujarat,India. Matani Pachhedi is kalamkari art similar to one which is practiced in south India. "Kalam" means pen and "kari" means craftsmanship or artistry. so roughly speaking this art is "artistry with pen" or "drawing with pen". Matani pachhedi is dedicated to goddess Amba or Durga. Drawing depicting stories from mythology related to Goddess Amba, is made on cotton fabric. This cloth is used as a backdrop in temple of Goddess. Idea very similar to "Pichhevai" art form of Rajasthan.

Photo description: Matani Pachhedi with its intricate drawing

This 300 years old art form is tradition of "Vaghari" community of Gujarat. Traditionally,only Maroon and Black colours were used for motifs, in this sacred cloth. Black was also used for giving outline to motifs.Today they have become riot of colours,thanks to their demand as wall hangings for homes. Maroon denoted mother earth and Black was used as a protection against evil eyes. Background colour used to be White traditionally. 

Photo description: Traditional colours were Maroon and Black.

I had an opportunity to meet Mr, Sanjay Manubhai Chitara ,master craftsman, who has won state as well as national award for keeping alive this traditional craft. 

Drawing is done by Bamboo tip, finely sharpened, to draw fine outlines. 

Photo description: Drawing by Bamboo Tip

Photo description: Outlines were drawn using Black colour

Intricate basic drawing is done by males of the family while colours are filled in by female members.

Photo description: Maroon colour is filled in drawing

All colours used for Pachhedi are vegetable dyes. Making it eco-friendly product. Once this piece is ready it is washed in river water before it is used.

Photo description: filling the colours

Photo description:  Plain border on all sides.

All pachhedis have plain border which is also known as Lasso Patti.

Photo description: Traditional colours of Matani Pachhedi

My fascination with India's traditional arts,crafts and textiles gets stronger with each foray into their wonderful world.

Tweet

"chopda"-Handmade book-keeping books....tradition of India

In India, accounts are written in "Chopadas" - as book keeping books are traditionally called. Chopadas are vertical books and opens from bottom to top rather than right to left like all books. They are always Red in colour.Books are hand stitched with White thread and photo of Goddess Laxmi is stuck inside.

Though now people use computers for maintaining their accounts, they still worship the chopadas on Diwali day. On Diwlai day "chopada pujan" is organized and first page of the chopada is marked with some sacred words.

These chopadas are handmade. Mainly Muslim community is involved in making these chopadas used by traditional Hindus.This tradition is slowly on its way out and will soon become thing of past.

This chopada making starts 3 months before Diwali.I took opportunity to visit one such place and enjoyed clicking slowly dyeing art.

Waiting

See it on Black and Large, originally uploaded by Sonali Dalal.

Via Flickr:

"Waiting"

I've been waiting a long time
For this moment to come
I'm destined
For anything...at all

-- Greenday

Shop in the old city

Shop in the old city, originally uploaded by Sonali Dalal.

Via Flickr:

Old City of Ahmedabad still has this type of tiny little shops selling day to day items. Old fashioned Red telephone is public telephone service provided by the shopkeepeR.

Glimpses of India

India is a fascinating country with interesting mix of people,religions,culture,food,clothing. It never stops to surprise you with its wide variety. 

Rural India with its colourful landscape is very attractive destination for any photographer.

At each turn you will see something which captivates you,which makes you stop and stare.

India survives on faith . Belief in "Karma" is what keeps it going in spite of many adversities they face during their day to day life.

Flora and Fauna also changes every few miles.

Vegetable Market-Ahmedabad

Traditional vegetable market holds very special place in hearts of Indian people. Day to day need of vegetables are fulfilled by these markets. Atmosphere at this market is seen to be believed. Cacophony of sound, hectic parleys, haggling are all part of it. Its sound and smell are something special.

Scooter is filled with Green coconut ready to be taken home.

Shops are all traditional,old fashioned. Vegetable vendor either sits on the floor or on high platform surrounded by variety of vegetables.

Packed and ready to be sold.

Traditional weighing scale still rules.

Haggling is enjoyed by all. 

Waiting for clients.

"Masala", basic ingredients in Indian cooking like chillies,ginger,lemon, coriander are sold by vendors who specially deal in them.

"Masala" seller admires his own banner!!