Bandhani is the art of tie and dye particular to the regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Since my early age I have been using fabrics tied and dyed in a vivid display of colors for a variety of traditional clothing. Tie-dying has a long history in India where the technique is used in many variations on a wide range of fabrics, from course cotton to fine silk. For those of you not familiar with Bandhani, it is a special art form mainly practiced by women even today. The women artisans will laboriously tie the fabric into small knots using cotton thread. The knots can be widely placed or can form intricate patterns on the fabric. The knots are then covered with wax and the entire fabric is dyed in the color of choice. The knots will retain its white color that helps create beautiful white designs.
The finest Bandhani is usually from Kutch, which is why my first stop was at the city of Mandvi. Mandvi is a quaint little shipping town with a beautiful beach and rich textile industry. I visited a Bandhani manufacturing unit and shop called Khatri Ibrahim Siddik and Co. (all Bandhani fabrics are usually manufactured by Khatris). Attached is a video that was shot at this shop showcasing Bandhani prior to dyeing so you can see the hand tied knots prior to dyeing, as well as the look of the design post dyeing when the fabric is first untied. The identity of the true artisan, the women laboring on tieing knots, is strictly hidden. It is my goal to go find them if I can in my few days here. Stay tuned:)
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