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From the hills of Munnar
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Differently-abled youth present a new spin on natural fabrics and dyes at Aranya
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The heat pressed georgette dupattas and tie-and-dye fabrics speak of the workmanship
Naturally... the bazaar, at Shilparamam, being held as part of the International Symposium on Natural Dyes (until November 11, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.), is a storehouse of traditional crafts. Every other stall has a story to tell... of reviving dying crafts, of successful rural self-help groups and of the best possible ways to use natural resources. One such stall, with a striking display of traditional fabrics in rich colours, beckoned us.
The products are from Aranya, a natural dye unit supported by Tata Tea, encourages physically challenged artisans. "Those who have a flair for traditional crafts are encouraged and trained at Aranya. A number of young adults from the families employed by Tata Tea learn at the organisation. There is abundant availability of natural resource in Munnar, Kerala, where we are based. These fabrics have earned us loyal clientele within India and abroad," says a representative at the stall.
The stoles, shawls and accessories in silks use natural dyes. The heat pressed georgette dupattas and tie-and-dye fabrics speak of the workmanship. The rich shades of aqua are attributed to the use of indigo. We are told that the craftsmen make use of Eucalyptus and Mulberry leaves, lemon grass, pomegranate, jackfruit, henna and catechu for the extraction of natural dyes. As we talk, a couple of eager foreign nationals examine a deep blue shawl with stripped patterns. A price tag of a little over Rs. 800 doesn't make them flinch. They buy a few pieces before moving to the next stall.
Traditional the craft may be, the patterns and designing target the urban market. The fabrics can jazz up Indo-western and ethnic outfits and boast of block printing, wax printing and tie and dye on cottons and silks. Aranya's is a case of craftsmanship and marketing success.
SANGEETHA DEVI. K
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