As the train chugged from Jaipur to Ahmedabad, I gazed out the window, watching the desert landscape give way to green fields. My eyes wandered to the fellow passengers, and that's when I spotted her – an elderly woman, dressed in a simple yet stunning saree, with intricate embroidery that seemed to dance across the fabric. The colors were vibrant, the patterns were intricate, and the overall effect was breathtaking. I couldn't help but stare. The woman noticed my gaze and smiled warmly. I mustered the courage to ask, "Auntiji, your dupatta is exquisite. What is the embroidery technique used?"
She chuckled and said, "Beta, this is Phulkari something my grandmother made for me when I was a child. She started working on it when I was born, and over the years, she added more patterns and designs as I grew up. It's a family heirloom, passed down through generations."
I was taken aback by the story behind the saree. The embroidery looked so fresh and modern, it could have easily been a design from a high-end fashion house like Dior or Prada. I marveled at the attention to detail, the love, and the care that had gone into creating this masterpiece.
As I continued to admire the dupatta, the woman shared stories of her grandmother's skill and patience. She spoke of the countless hours spent stitching, the trials and errors, and the joy of creating something beautiful. Her eyes sparkled with nostalgia, and I could sense the deep connection she felt to her heritage.
As the train pulled into Ahmedabad station, I bid farewell to the woman, thanking her for sharing her story. As I stepped off the train, I felt grateful for the encounter, and the reminder of the timeless beauty of traditional craftsmanship. The memory of that exquisite dupatta and the story behind it will stay with me forever, a testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage.
Fast forward many years, at IDAM we are ever so grateful for the oppurtunity to bring some of our heritage crafts and fabrics to limelight and adapting them into our everyday lives & festive times !
