India is a land of diversity in every sense possible. Be it biologically, culturally, linguistically or geographically. And one of the more offbeat yet very intricately detailed diversities of India is the diversity in textiles. From Pashmina in the North to Kanjeevaram in the South, From Bandhani in the West to Naga Shawls in the East, there is at least one different fabric hailing from each state of India. These different fabrics, their origins and manufacturing have given rise to a new industry all together. It is called Textile Tours.
Traditional Textiles on a Rise:
In the ancient texts of Hinduism, the universe is imagined as a cloth woven by the Gods and the passage of day and night as a weaver throwing a shuttle across the loom. Thus, it is safe to say that these creative textile tours are not only just travelling; they are a way of discovering life and the entire universe.
Spinning & Weaving By Vritti Designs Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai from Vritti Designs on Vimeo.
There has certainly been a rise in the number of textile tours being organized recently. It has been an excellent opportunity for the people intrigued by the aesthetics and traditional methods of textile making. Handlooms and textiles have contributed to a major part of the traditional Indian art form. Thus, textile tours give a chance to trace back a path to the ancient Indian times. You can easily traverse through the folklore of Punjab or uncover the undiscovered gems of Assam just by taking these tours.
New Avenues for Artisans:
By these tours, people not only get the chance to see the history in making, they also get an opportunity to meet the makers. These brilliantly talented craftsmen have preserved the torch of Indian heritage which has been passed on to them by their ancestors. These tours provide tourists with an amazing chance to interact with these artisans and to really get to know them. We might not have gotten a chance to watch Picasso paint his masterpieces, but these tours make sure that we do get an opportunity to watch these artists wield their magic on fabric.
Also, another advantage of this innovative tourism industry is that these rural artisans get a great amount of exposure. They have been neglected recently with the rise in the western fashion industry and methods of mass production of garments. However, these tours really help discover these hidden treasures and give them a platform to showcase their brilliance. It also brings in investors from all around the world; people who love the aesthetically beautiful pieces of work these artists create and who understand the value these masterpieces hold. Indian economy is majorly benefitted by tourism & textiles and textile tours merge both of them to generate a new source of revenue and innumerable jobs for the nation.
It is said that travel is the only thing which you buy and yet it makes you richer. However, in case of textile tourism, it makes other deserving people richer as well. Tourism is the second largest industry in the world and clubbing it with textiles really has opened many doors for the artisans and craftsmen.
To see more images please visit our gallery page here VDPL Gallery
If you want to explore and visit Indian Textile Artisan connect us at contact@vrittidesigns.com
click here VDPL Shop to shop our products made by our rural artisans with love and care.
Thanks for reading.
Vritti Designs Team
