January 2021

block printing in rajasthan, textiles, art form

The 4 Steps of Block Printing In Rajasthan – A Unique Art Form

Have you heard of block printing in Rajasthan? Firstly, we explain what hand block printing is. Secondly, we highlight the states famous for this art form. Thirdly, we explain 5 types of block printing. The process of carving, dye application, printing, and postprint treatment is next. Finally, we answer whether block printing is a sustainable art form.

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What is hand block printing?

Block Printing in Rajasthan, hand block, wood printing, India
Image Credit: Seek Collective

Woodblock printing is where blocks are used to print on textiles. Wooden blocks are now replaced by metal blocks. The process is time-consuming and slow. This is a time-consuming process as it involves several phases.

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Which state is famous for block printing?

India’s block print’s cultural history goes back to the Indus Valley. The Harappan Civilization was trading in cotton textiles as archaeologists have found needles, spindles, and dyed cotton fibers at the Mohenjo-Daro excavation site. 

The states famous for block printing are Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The centers for block printing in Gujarat are the Kutch regions. Fabrics from Gujarat are Sodagiri. Other cities famous for block prints are Rajkot, Jetpur, Porbandar, Bhavnagar, and Vasna.

In Rajasthan, the famous cities are Bagru, Jaipur, Pali, Barmer, and Sanganer. Dabu and Syahi-Begar prints are from Bagru. Calico printed bed covers, pillows and sarees are from Sanganer. The prints from Punjab are geometrical and floral based.

Serampore is the center for block printing in Kolkata, West Bengal. The prints are vibrant and differ from the traditional motifs of birds and flowers.

How many types of block printing are there?

There are 8 types of block print in India. In this post, the five types we will look at are Ajrakh, Bagh, Kalamkari, Bagru, and Sanganeri. They are:-

Ajrakh

Ajrakh,  wood block printing, soaking cloth
Image Credit: Khamir

Ajrakh is from Sindh, Pakistan, Kutch in Gujarat, and Barmer in Rajasthan. Sindhis all over the world celebrate Sindhi Cultural Day on 1st December by wearing Ajrak & Sindhi Topi.

Ajrakh print has multiple meanings attached to it. The term “Ajrakh” is from “Azrakh” which means indigo. Another meaning of Ajrakh is Universe because of the colors used. Nature plays an important role where the colors are concerned. Red is for the earth, blue for the sky, and black for the moonless night.

The town where this art form has been passed down for generations is Ajrakhpur. This town has attained global recognition and the artisans have worked with India’s designers and have traveled the world. The invitation-based trips are to showcase their craftsmanship and to enhance knowledge exchange between cultures.

Bagh

Bagh, Hand Block printing, Finished products, leaf design
Image Credit: Unnati Silks

Bagh printing is from Bagh, a hamlet in Madhya Pradesh. The traditional motifs for this type of print are geometric, paisley, or floral images. There are several possibilities as to how this printing method came to India.

Chhipas traveled from Sindh to Bagh 400 years ago. They brought this art form with them. Mohammed Yusuf Khatri, Ismail Sulemanji Khatri, and Abdul Kadar Khatri Bagh’s pioneers of this art form. Ismail Khatri is a skilled practitioner of this art.

Do you know that 200 to 300 years old traditional blocks once used designs of 1,500 cave paintings in the region to make sarees and salwar kameez?

An interesting fact is that this community does not throw away any blocks used. Each block is handed down through the generations.

Kalamkari

Kalamkari, woman working on dye, work in progress,  Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
Image Credit: Arushi Gujral (Farida Gupta)

Kalamkari is produced in Isfahan in Iran and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in India. It involves a twenty-three-step process. The literal meaning of the word is “pen craft” where ‘Kalam’ means pen and ‘Kari’ means craft.

This method uses natural dyes where the dye is extracted from roots and leaves. To enhance the dyes color, cow dung, seeds, and plants are added. The two distinct Kalamkari styles are Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam styles. Historical data dates Kalamkari printing technique to Vijayanagara Empire.

Srikalahasti Kalamkari was unveiled at a flyover in Tirupati as part of the Municipal Council’s beautification works. Artisans unveiled a ‘Tree of Natural Life’ project which aimed to highlight rural life and bring awareness of wildlife and nature through textile. This project took 120 days, 204 wooden blocks, and 20 artisans to complete.

Bagru

Image Credit: Pinkcity Royals

Bagru is another method of block printing in Rajasthan. Bagru is 20 miles from Jaipur. The New York Times Style Magazine highlighted this ancient art in one of its publications.

Bagru is unique because the pattern is engraved onto the wooden block. The design is replicated onto the fabric. Bagru prints have an off-white base and natural dyes made from turmeric and pomegranate. Dyes are from worn-out horseshoes and alum. The motifs for Bagru are elephants, buds, leaves, and flower stems.

Sanganeri

Image Credit: Pankaj Singh Chauhan (The Indian Wire)

Sanganer is 12 miles from Jaipur and is famous for its Sanganer block printing. The town’s population is involved in the hand-block printing industry. The prints were exported to Europe and were used as a show of luxury.

What is the difference between Bagru and Sanganer print?

Although both of these are block printing in Rajasthan styles, the differences lie in:-

  1. Water

Water is scarce in Bagru. This results in the Dabu style of printing. Sanganeri prints come from Sanganer which is abundant in water. This brings out a darker shade and makes it easier to wash and print the fabrics.

  1. Motifs used

Bagru prints are large geometrical in designs. These designs get their inspiration from nature. Sanganer prints have fine lines and intricate designs.

How is block printing done?

Block Printing in Rajasthan is a 5 step process. The block printing process involves carving of the wooden block, application of dye at various stages, the actual printing, and the post printing treatment of the fabric.

Carving the Block

Image Credit: Rachna Kumar (Ichcha)

A wooden hammer and chisel are the main tools in this process. This task requires skill and precision as one mistake could damage the block. The block becomes unusable. To achieve precise designs, the carvings could take days to complete.

Dye Application

Image Credit: Shop Sunday/Monday

Indigo is the base color for Bagru prints. The wooden block is dipped into the dye. And, then stamped onto the cloth. There are many other colors. And, the colors used would depend on the pattern.

Printing

Image Credit: The Eyes of India

This delicate work is done by experienced artisans. It may take several people to complete the design on the fabric. It is important that the designs do not overlap each other and that there are no blank spaces.

Do you know that this task takes years of experience to achieve? A steady hand and a focused mind are two requirements of this task. This is so that there are no blank spaces. It is essential that the designs do not overlap each other.

Postprint Treatment & Drying

The process is completed once the fabric is hung to dry.

Is Block Printing Sustainable?

The ingredients to create dyes are natural which makes block printing sustainable. Sustainability is the keyword in this unique art form. 

Tamarind Chutney is one of the clothing lines working with hand-block artisans to empower and improve their livelihood. In a digital era, this unique art form may disappear as cheaper digital prints take over the market. An effort to recognize this art form would help the artisans. We can help these artisans by buying their products.

Are you planning a trip to Rajasthan but have no idea where to stay? Check out these hotels and take your pick!

The 4 Steps of Block Printing In Rajasthan – A Unique Art Form Read More »

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What To Do In Sekinchan – 4 Stunning Places You Must Visit

What to do in Sekinchan? Sekinchan is famous for its seafood, vast paddy fields, and unique accommodations. This post shows you where Sekinchan is, what is the best there and how to get to the Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor.

Where is Sekinchan?

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The distance between Kuala Lumpur and Sekinchan

Sekinchan is a fishing village located 59 miles from Kuala Lumpur. It is a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur City Center. Although Kedah is the “rice bowl” of Malaysia, Sekinchan is one of the rice-producing districts in Selangor. This is because of the organized and well-irrigated paddy fields.

Sri Shakti Temple Bukit Rotan – Kuala Selangor

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Sri Shakti Temple Bukit Rotan in Kuala Selangor

The first in our what to do in Sekinchan was a stopover at the Sri Shakti Temple in Bukit Rotan, Kuala Selangor. This temple took four years to build and follows Hindu scriptures. It has a five-tiered Gopuram. Other than its intricate carvings, this temple is the only temple outside of India to have 51 Shakti Statutes.

These statues represent the 51 Shakti Peeths of Goddess Shakti located in various parts of India. Free Malaysia Today had an excellent article on the story behind the building of this temple.

What to do in Sekinchan – What is the best in Sekinchan?

Wishing Tree

sekinchan wishing tree, chinese temple

The best in this town is this Wishing Tree. Everyone who comes to Sekinchan always makes a visit to this tree. There is a Chinese temple by the side of this tree. After prayers, one makes a wish on a red cloth and attaches it to a coin. The higher one throws means that there is a higher chance of the wish being granted. No one knows when this tradition started.

What to do in Sekinchan – Farmville Homestay

Image Credit: Farmville Homestay

Farmville Homestay is known as the “Sekinchan Container Hotel” and some of the facilities include a trampoline, golf putting put, a BBQ pit, and a kids pool with slides. Similar to Padi Box, the rooms are within freight containers.

How Do I Get There?

It would be best to hire a private taxi to get there. Their details are provided in the Contact Us.

Accommodations

There are several accommodations available. They have Deluxe Rooms, Family Rooms, Fifth Room which can accommodate 5 persons and Sixers which can accommodate 6 persons.

Padi Box

Image Credit: Traveloka

Padi Box is a homestay where a freight container is converted into rooms. Rojak Daily and The Malaysian Insight have featured this homestay in their publications.

How Do I Get There?

This question is answered in their FAQ.

Accommodations

The rooms are divided into Standard Rooms and Family Rooms. The basic room starts at RM 118 ($30) per night excluding breakfast. Breakfast is charged separately at RM 5 ($1.25) per set.

Nan Tian Temple

Image Credit: Shutternuts (Inspirock)

This temple was built in 1978 and is dedicated to the Nine Emperor Gods. This place is buzzing with activity during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. The Star gives a description of this festival and the significance of this festival.

How do I get to the Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor?

Sky Mirror is Malaysia’s version of Salar De Uyuni. This beach is only accessible during low tide. It is located in the town of Jeram which is between Kapar and Kuala Selangor.

Image Credit: Sky Mirror Travel & Tour

Best Time to Visit Sky Mirror

Sky Mirror is a sandbank which is located on Sasaran Beach. This place is inaccessible during high tide. There are travel agencies which arrange tours to get here. A recommended tour agency would be Sky Mirror Malaysia.

What is Salar De Uyuni?

Salar De Uyuni is in Bolivia and is the largest salt plains in the world. This area is part of Bolivia’s Altiplano which is the widest area in the Andes Mountains. This plateau has freshwater and saltwater lakes with no natural drainage outlets.

Salar De Uyuni is the result of several geographic transformations of ancient lakes. Between 30,000 to 40,000 years ago, the area in which the area sits was Lake Minchin. Over the years, Lake Minchin became Paleo Lake Tauca. The lakes dried up and formed Salar De Uyuni and Salar De Coipasa which are the two largest and natural salt lakes in Bolivia.

What is the difference between Salar De Uyuni & Sky Mirror?

The first difference between these two is simple. Salar De Uyuni is a natural salt plain while the Sky Mirror is a natural sand bank. The second difference is that Salar De Uyuni is available throughout the year while Sky Mirror is only accessible twice a month when the tides are low.

Malaysian Tatler reviewed a local celebrity photographer, Zung Heng who ventured into gastronomic delights. His private kitchen is only available by reservation and is focus on Teochew-style food.

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The 9 Best Places To Stay In Luang Prabang

The best places to stay in Luang Prabang explores and answers several questions on the best cheap hotels in Luang Prabang, which hotels are good for families, and lastly, what are the best luxury resorts in Luang Prabang.

Where is Luang Prabang?

Luang Prabang is a town located about 186 miles north of Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. This town is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site for architectural, religious, and cultural heritage. There are four roads in this town. The town is at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers.

CNN Travel describes Luang Prabang as a town that offers a mix of French colonial backgrounds against traditional monks in saffron robes. In this town, you can find caves, waterfalls and many riverside villages.

Luang Prabang has two climates, the monsoon season and the dry season. The dry months are January to May. The wettest month is in August.

How do I Get to Luang Prabang?

There are many modes of transportation to get into Luang Prabang. The four modes are:-

Air

Luang Prabang International Airport is the second busiest airport in the country and links to local cities such as Vientiane and Phongsali. International airlines from Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and China ply this airport.

Road

Route 13 serves Luang Prabang and connects it to Vang Vient and Vientiane in the South and Boten in the North. Although the road is paved, the condition is poor in some areas.

A new road now connects Kasi to Luang Prabang which has now shortened the 5-hour journey into a 3-hour journey. There are several buses that ply the Vientiane Luang Prabang route daily. A bus journey usually takes about 13 hours. Sleeper buses are available from Hanoi to either Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng.

Waterway

Luang Prabang is one of the few cities which use the river to connect to other parts of the country. A barge can be hired to cross to Thailand or to take a 2-day journey to Vientiane.

Rail

This is the newest mode of transportation to get to Luang Prabang. Xinhua reports that the new 262-mile China-Laos railway has met all construction targets and is set to be fully operational by end of 2021.

What is Luang Prabang known for?

Morning Alms

The Sai Bat is a tradition where devotees offer food to the monks during the early hours of the day. This meal would constitute the monks only meal for that day. This tradition is held on the main street in Luang Prabang and silence is strictly observed during that time.

Heartland of Buddhism

Luang Prabang is known as the spiritual center of Laos. There are many ‘Wats’ (temple-monastery) that dot the city. These wats offer an insight into the Buddhism culture and how it has been integrated into the lives of the monks and the community as a whole.

Do you know that the currency in Laos is known as the Lao Kip?

The Lao Kip has been Lao’s currency since 1955 after it replaced the French Indochina Piastre at par.

What are the 3 best neighborhoods to stay in?

Old Town

best places to stay in luang prabang, old town, laos
Image Credit: Annika Hering (Pixabay)

Inspirock describes Old Town as a street with picturesque houses, colonial-style villas, and dotted with monasteries. Staying in Old Town would be the highlight of your trip if you are a first-timer here. This is the area to stay in if you want to see the morning alms by the local residents.

After that, you can walk and explore the monasteries and spend some time in quiet contemplation, enjoying serenity whilst the world goes by.

Mekong Riverfront

best places to stay in luang prabang, mekong riverfront, luang prabang
Image Credit: Travel Laos Online

Mekong Riverfront is the less touristy area of Luang Prabang. The area is dotted with residential homes with many converted into guesthouses. Some of the best restaurants with a view are The Viewpoint and Saffron Coffee.

Nam Khan Riverfront

nam khan riverfront, best places to stay in luang prabang, laos
Image Credit: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen (Wikipedia Commons)

This area has a backpacker vibe to it. Nam Khan is essential to Laotians as it provides them with fish and as a mode of transportation. At the end of the day, head over to Utopia, the bar along the banks of Nam Khan.

What are the best cheap hotels in Luang Prabang?

Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel

The first hotel in the best places to stay in Luang Prabang is Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel. This hotel is located in the heart of the city, between Mekong & Nam Khan rivers. Other than being a tranquil place, this hotel is also located close to the night market, temples and restaurants.

This hotel offers airport transfers and the room facilities include individual air conditioning, free wireless internet, in-room safe, minibar, coffee and tea facilities, cable TV, and room service.

Maison Dalabua Hotel

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Image Credit: Maison Dalabua Hotel

The second cheapest hotel in the best places to stay in Luang Prabang is Maison Dalabua. This hotel offers luxury apartments with the amenities of a personal home. This hotel is a member of Pack for a Purpose. This allows guests of the hotel to save a few kilos of luggage by bringing items that they wish to contribute to the upliftment of society.

Le Sen Boutique Hotel

Le Sen boutique, Laos, cheap hotels, best places to stay in luang prabang
Image Credit: Le Sen Boutique Hotel

The third best place to stay in Luang Prabang is Le Sen Boutique Hotel. This quaint hotel has 19 rooms and is located near the Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center. However, WiFi is only available in all common areas. The room rates are based on high, low, and peak seasons.

Which hotels in Luang Prabang are good for families?

Rosewood Luang Prabang

Image Credit: Rosewood Luang Prabang

The first hotel which is good for families is Rosewood Luang Prabang. This is one of the best places to stay in Luang Prabang for families because it offers a range of activities to keep children and teenagers busy. This hotel is equipped with a swimming pool and has several bespoke itineraries to choose from.

The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel

Our second hotel which is good for children with families is The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel. The rates are available online for convenience. This hotel is good for families as has the best location on the river shore and is within walking distance of Wat Xieng Thong. This hotel provides a complimentary one-hour sunset cruise and has free bicycles for you to cycle around town.

Burasari Heritage Hotel

Image Credit: Burasari Heritage

The last of our hotels which is good for families is Burasari Heritage Hotel. One of the key features of this hotel is either arriving or leaving the in style. For that, ask for their hotel car which is a 1950’s classic car. This hotel offers a unique experience where guests are taken to the morning market to buy their groceries and are then taught to cook traditional Laotian food.

What are the best luxury hotels in Luang Prabang?

Pullman Luang Prabang

Image Credit: Pullman Luang Prabang

This hotel is the epitome of luxury in Luang Prabang. It is located about 4.3 miles from Wat Xieng Thong on the Mekong Peninsular. Shuttle services on a first come first served basis are provided for the convenience of guests. This place has an idyllic setting where ponds, paddy fields and streams mingle.

Belmond Residence Phou Vao

Positioned on top of a hill overlooking the mountains, this hotel gives tranquil vibes. This hotel is 1.24 miles from the city center and 2.4 miles from the airport. Due to its location out of town, the hotel offers several experiences for you to enjoy. The hotel also has several offer packages to choose from.

Sofitel Luang Prabang

Image Credit: Sofitel Luang Prabang

The last hotel in our best places to stay in Luang Prabang is Sofitel Luang Prabang. This hotel is located in the Old Town area. This hotel is located 1.2 miles to the Royal Museum and 1.8 miles to Wat Xieng Thong, both a pleasant walk of 15-20 minutes. For ultimate luxury, book the Signature Governor’s Suite which features high ceilings and an outdoor gazebo.

Is Luang Prabang Worth Visiting?

Yes! CNN Travel gives a one-minute tour of Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is 6th in Asia’s Most Picturesque Towns. Other than being home to monasteries and offering quiet relief to the busy traveler, Luang Prabang is home to Kuang Si Falls.

best places to stay in luang prabang, kuang si falls, laos
Image Credit: Preto_perola (Getty Images)

Josie Green in her report in 24/7 Wall St describes this natural beauty as one of the 45 Amazing Places You Never Knew Existed. The multi-tiered stone-lined pools with clear greenish-blue waters are a sight to behold. The lower levels at the bottom are wider and swimmable. There is an observation deck within the premises. An entrance fee is charged to view and swim in the falls.

Do you know that you can hike to the top of the falls? Can you guess how fast you can complete the hike?

If you are feeling hungry, you can head over to Carpe Diem Restaurant which has an amazing view of the falls from its balcony area.

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