Bandhani: The Sacred Art of Knotting

The heart of Bandhani dyeing lies in the meticulous art of knotting: the word Bandhani comes from the word bandhan, which means "to tie." The artisan hand-knots the fabric with a precision and dexterity that transforms the dyed fabric into a painting, with patterns that magically appear when the knots are undone after dyeing.

Don't think that Bandhani is a random process: it's an art form, where every knot, every space is calculated, every pattern thought out. The process is long, demanding, and fascinating. After meticulously knotting the fabric, it is immersed in dye baths. Each color soaks into the fabric, but the tied areas, protected by the knots, remain untouched, creating striking contrasts. The fabric goes through several cycles of dyeing and knotting, and when the knots are finally untied, it's a moment of revelation. The patterns, until then hidden beneath the tight threads, appear like secret imprints, recalling the power of handwork, the beauty of imperfection, and the magic of transformation.

Traditionally worn for weddings and other celebrations, the Bandhani is a cloth of blessings and protection against the evil eye.