Selvedge Textile Tour 2025: Week 3
As the sun rises over Gujarat’s vast landscapes, a world of intricate weaves, ancient techniques, and unparalleled craftsmanship awakens. The Selvedge Textile Tour of 2025 continues its journey into the heart of India’s textile heritage, meeting the master artisans who have preserved centuries-old techniques, ensuring their survival for generations to come.
Rare and Antique Indian Textiles with Salim Wazir
Embroidered details from an unusually large dowry bag. From the Jain community of the North East Kutch region of Gujurat.
The week begins with a rare and exquisite collection of antique Indian textiles, guided by Salim Wazir. A distinguished collector and dealer, Wazir holds a treasure trove of historic fabrics—opulently embroidered Phulkaris, intricately woven Jamdani, and centuries-old Rabari textiles.
Ceremonial wedding head gear/shawl. This example is over 100 years old. Tie dye with natural dyes on handwoven satin silk. Real silver and gold plated embroidery.
Each piece reveals the evolution of motifs, dyes, and weaving techniques that have shaped India’s textile legacy. Through his insights, visitors trace the stories embedded in these textiles, from dynastic courts to ancient trade routes, gaining a deeper appreciation for India’s rich fabric traditions.
Indigo Yarn Dyeing and Bandhani Clamp Dyeing with Abdullah Khatri and Bhido Art
Dipping yarns in Indigo Dye with Abdullah Khatri
Indigo, one of the world’s oldest dyes, flourishes in the hands of master dyers in Kutch. Under the guidance of Abdullah and Abduljabbar Khatri, celebrated artisans and co-founders of SIDR Craft, participants witness the mesmerising process of natural indigo yarn dyeing. Deep vats of dye bloom into celestial shades of blue, as yarns are dipped and transformed.
Examples of Clamp Dyed Fabrics by Bhido Art
The journey into resist dyeing continues with Bandhani clamp dyeing, where fabric is carefully tied, folded, or clamped before immersion in dye, creating hypnotic patterns. This rhythmic, meticulous craft, passed down through generations, reveals the patience and precision required to achieve its signature designs.
Ajrakh Workshop with Sufiyan Khatri
Preparation of block designs.
The ancient art of Ajrakh block printing takes center stage in the workshop of master artisan Sufiyan Khatri. Here, participants witness the 14-step process of Ajrakh production, a craft deeply rooted in Kutch’s arid landscapes. Fabric is meticulously prepared, then dyed in natural pigments such as madder, pomegranate, and indigo. Artisans expertly layer dyes and mordants using hand-carved wooden blocks, their rhythmic stamping transforming cloth into works of astonishing complexity.
Guided by Khatri’s expertise, visitors try their hand at this craft, gaining an intimate understanding of the delicate interplay between tradition and innovation in contemporary Ajrakh textiles.
The Art of Rogan Textile Painting with Abdul Gafur Khatri
Building facade in Nirona Village
In the heart of Nirona village, the Khatri family has preserved the rare art of Rogan painting for over three centuries. This painstaking technique involves drawing with a fine thread of castor oil-based paint, suspended in the air before being carefully applied to fabric.
Rogan Painting by Abdul Gafur
As participants stroll through Nirona’s vibrant streets, the hum of artisans at work fills the air. At the workshop of National Award-winning Abdul Gafur Khatri, they observe the master’s steady hand as he paints elaborate floral and peacock motifs, each stroke a testament to generations of knowledge. This mesmerising craft, practiced by only a handful of artisans worldwide, offers a profound glimpse into a vanishing tradition.
Sumrasar Village: Textile Workshops & The Kala Raksha Museum
Sumrasar village
The journey continues to Sumrasar village, home to Kala Raksha, an initiative dedicated to preserving Gujarat’s tribal embroidery traditions. Here, master embroiderers share the secrets of their craft—vibrant Suf embroidery of the Sodha Rajputs, intricate Rabari mirrorwork, and the fine, geometric stitches of the Ahir community. Each stitch tells a story of identity, folklore, and daily life.
At the Kala Raksha Museum, visitors admire an exquisite collection of heirloom textiles, gaining insight into the cultural significance of embroidery in Kutch. Hands-on workshops allow for direct engagement with artisans, offering a rare opportunity to learn time-honoured techniques from the skilled hands that continue to define Gujarat’s textile artistry.
The Chanakya School of Craft & Karishma Swali’s Vision
The final stop of the week brings the tour to the Chanakya School of Craft, where tradition and innovation merge seamlessly. Founded by Karishma Swali, this institution has been instrumental in reviving and reimagining India’s embroidery heritage. Here, visitors witness extraordinary hand embroidery techniques that have adorned global couture collections, while also exploring how craft can empower artisans and sustain communities.
Through interactive demonstrations and discussions, the tour gains insight into the intricate, labor-intensive processes behind each stitch. This visit offers a glimpse into how heritage techniques continue to evolve, ensuring their relevance in contemporary design.
More than just an exploration of textiles, this tour is a journey into India’s living heritage. Each destination unveils a world where craft is not merely an art form but a way of life. From ancient dyeing methods to masterful embroidery, these experiences offer a deeper connection to the artisans who weave, dye, and stitch India’s rich textile history.
As the week draws to a close, the travellers carry with them not just fabrics and threads, but the stories, skills, and spirit of the artisans who have opened their world. This is more than a textile tour—it is a passage through time, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a tribute to the enduring beauty of India’s textile traditions.
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Image Credits:
Lead Image: Jaipur Rugs
Images 2/3: Salim Wazir
Image 5: Abdullah and Abduljabbar Khatri
Image 6/7: Sufiyan Khatri
All Other Images: Polly Leonard