#sikki art

[dementiastrange]

"First time I heard your voice I had no doubt, I felt that I had found a chance at life. Took me by the hand, made my spirit rise, Taught me how to live without disguise.

I was trapped in my mind, Then you freed me from my shame. Oh I love the way you say my name...~"

[bihartour3]

Bihartour: Bridging Cultures in Darjeeling - A Journey to Bihar's Heart

Introduction

Darjeeling, known for its lush tea gardens, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and its rich cultural heritage, has always been a sought-after destination for tourists. While the town is renowned for its tea, it is also a place that welcomes entrepreneurs with unique ideas. One such venture is "Bihartour," a business that brings a slice of Bihar to the heart of Darjeeling.

The Story Behind Bihartour

Bihartour is not your typical travel agency. Instead of focusing on mainstream tourist destinations, it offers a distinctive experience by immersing travelers in the vibrant culture and traditions of Bihar. Founded by Mr. Rajiv Singh, a native of Bihar who moved to Darjeeling a decade ago, Bihartour aims to bridge the gap between the two culturally diverse regions of India.

Mr. Singh's inspiration for Bihartour came from his personal journey. After relocating to Darjeeling, he was struck by the similarities and differences between Bihar and Darjeeling. Both regions have rich histories and traditions, but they remain distinct in their own ways. He saw an opportunity to create a platform that would not only cater to tourists but also encourage cultural exchange between these regions.

The Unique Offerings of Bihartour

1.  Cultural Tours: Bihartour specializes in cultural tours that provide tourists with an authentic experience of Bihar. These tours include visits to ancient temples, traditional festivals, and interactions with local artisans. Travelers have the opportunity to witness the famous Chhath Puja or explore the architectural marvels of Nalanda and Bodh Gaya.

2.  Culinary Experiences: Food plays a pivotal role in understanding a region's culture. Bihartour offers culinary tours that take participants on a gastronomic journey through the streets of Bihar. From savoring litti chokha to enjoying the delectable sweets of Mithila, tourists can relish the diverse and flavorsome cuisine of Bihar.

3.  Handicraft Workshops: The business also organizes workshops where tourists can learn traditional Bihar art forms like Madhubani painting and Sikki grass weaving. These workshops provide visitors with hands-on experiences and an opportunity to interact with local artisans.

4.  Homestays: Bihartour encourages tourists to live with local families during their stay, fostering a deeper cultural exchange. These homestays provide visitors with an insight into the daily lives and traditions of the people of Bihar.

5.  Eco-Tourism: Bihartour is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism. They offer eco-friendly tours that take travelers to the untouched natural beauty of Bihar, including serene riverbanks, dense forests, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Impact on Darjeeling

Bihartour's unique approach to tourism has brought a new dimension to the tourism industry in Darjeeling. By providing visitors with an authentic experience of Bihar's culture, it has not only contributed to the town's tourism but has also fostered cultural exchange and understanding between these two diverse regions of India.

Moreover, Bihartour has been a catalyst for local employment, as they work closely with the people of Darjeeling and Bihar, creating job opportunities and promoting the exchange of ideas.

Conclusion

Bihartour is a remarkable business that has added a new flavor to Darjeeling's tourism industry. By celebrating the rich culture of Bihar and offering an immersive experience to tourists, it has created a unique niche for itself. This venture demonstrates that innovative and culturally-driven business ideas can thrive in the heart of a picturesque town like Darjeeling, enriching the lives of locals and tourists alike. Bihartour is a testament to the power of bridging cultural gaps and promoting understanding through the medium of travel.

[india7d]

Bihar's Ancient Legacy: Exploring the Rich Cultural Heritage

Nestled along the fertile plains of the Ganges River, Bihar, India, boasts a timeless legacy steeped in history, art, and spirituality. Known as Magadha in ancient times, this culturally vibrant region was once the epicenter of political power and intellectual pursuits. Bihar's rich cultural heritage spans millennia, leaving behind a treasure trove of ancient ruins, majestic monuments, and sacred sites that continue to mesmerize and inspire people from all over the world.

The Golden Age of Magadha:

Bihar's cultural heritage can be traced back to the Vedic period when it was an important center of learning and knowledge. It was during this era that the two great ancient universities, Nalanda and Vikramshila, flourished, attracting scholars and students from distant lands, making Bihar a beacon of wisdom and enlightenment.

The Land of Buddhism:

Bihar holds immense significance in the history of Buddhism as it was in Bodh Gaya, a sacred town in Bihar, where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became the Buddha. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhism in the state.

Historical Capitals:

Bihar served as the ancient capital of various powerful dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Palas. The ruins of Pataliputra (modern-day Patna), Vaishali, and Rajgir are reminders of the opulence and grandeur that once adorned these historical capitals.

Architectural Marvels:

Bihar's cultural heritage is resplendent with architectural marvels. The Great Stupa at Kesaria, built during the Maurya period, is one of the largest brick structures in the world, exemplifying the advanced engineering and architectural skills of ancient times.

Timeless Traditions:

Bihar is a melting pot of diverse traditions and festivals. Festivals like Chhath Puja, observed with great devotion and reverence, highlight the deep-rooted cultural practices and the state's spiritual connection with nature.

Folk Art and Craftsmanship:

The state's cultural heritage is also evident in its vibrant folk art forms and traditional craftsmanship. Madhubani paintings, Sikki crafts, and Sujini embroidery are just a few examples of the artistic brilliance that has been passed down through generations.

Living Heritage:

Bihar's cultural heritage is not confined to ancient ruins alone; it lives on through the customs, rituals, and daily lives of its people. Folk music, dance, and theater continue to captivate audiences and preserve the essence of Bihar's cultural traditions.

Literature and Language:

Bihar has a rich literary heritage, with numerous scholars and poets leaving behind an indelible mark on Indian literature. The language of Magahi and the works of renowned poets like Vidyapati add to the literary richness of the state.

Folklore and Legends:

Bihar's folklore is filled with fascinating tales and legends that are deeply woven into the fabric of its culture. These stories reflect the wisdom, values, and beliefs cherished by generations of Bihar's people.

A Journey of Rediscovery:

Bihar's ancient legacy is an invitation to explore the wonders of an illustrious past. As tourists and history enthusiasts traverse the length and breadth of the state, they unearth the untold stories, architectural wonders, and cultural gems that continue to inspire and leave an indelible imprint on their hearts. Conclusion: Bihar's cultural heritage stands as a testament to the richness of India's past. With its ancient universities, architectural marvels, and spiritual significance, the state is a treasure trove of history, offering a glimpse into the brilliance and ingenuity of our ancestors. Preserving and celebrating Bihar's cultural heritage is not only a matter of pride but also an essential step towards embracing our roots and nurturing our collective identity. As we marvel at the beauty of this timeless legacy, let us ensure that it remains cherished and protected for generations to come. Read the full article

[mad4india1]

This Zero-Waste Clothing Line Is Redefining Fashion With Bihar’s Traditional Arts & Changing The Notion Of Bihar

You’ve probably heard “Bihar” has the highest rates of poverty or illiteracy in the country. Biharis” have a negative reputation for being quick to anger, and slovenly in general. And when it comes to the state’s traditional arts or culture, only one or two are well-known.

Have you ever thought about why “Bihari” is used as a slang word? More or less, it’s because we are too uninterested in discovering and understanding how great this state is. Bihar is where some of the greatest thinkers of all time lived. It is also where Buddhism, the world’s most famous faith, began.

She Is The Change We All Need

Suave Sumati Jalan Sumati Jalan just like many others left her home state, Bihar to attend college in another state. She earned degrees in law, languages and literature, and mass communication. But with endless adventures and experiences came a shocking reality knocking at her door. She confronted the discrimination that inhabitants of her native state experienced due to their origin as Bihar natives.

It’s not a secret that the majority of the world has a negative impression of Biharis. Actually, we all have preconceived notions about what a Bihari should be like, and Sumanti often was surprised to hear the prejudices people had for Biharis. Instead of pushing these judgy comments aside she took them to her heart and decided to challenge all the prejudices she could.

The Patna native, who is now 43 years old, sometimes even got offended by the way her home state was portrayed when she was younger. Sumati gave genuine consideration to ideas that most people treated casually or as a joke. She knew, what a wonders her home state was but she also realised that a very little part of it is served to the nation.

Traditional Arts – Were Her Muse

To change how people think about her state she decided to use traditional arts as her ladder. She realised that to change how people think about Bihar she need to think about how people see it.

She was introduced to art from an early age. Dewan Bahadur RK Jalan, her great-grandfather, amassed an extensive global collection of antiquities. These works of art were formerly prized possessions of Indian, European, Chinese, Turkish, Tibetan, and African emperors, monarchs, and nobles.

There are still priceless works of art, including manuscripts, papers, linens, bone china, and even weaponry proudly displays the collection in Sumati’s family home, the Quila House

After travelling to different states for education and jobs she finally decided to settle in her home state Bihar in 2018. At the time she didn’t really have anything planned, so she just started talking to the weavers who came into town to sell their handloom goods.

She made an effort to learn about their process and their challenges. The majority of the weavers she spoke with expressed concern that the next generation would not carry on the family business as they were leaving the state for the metropolis, where they find better employment.

Their accounts inspired her to bring back Bihar’s traditional arts like weaving and embroidery techniques. In 2020, she launched her clothing brand, Bihart, which she describes as an effort to debunk myths about her culturally rich home state. She started a brand which proudly flaunts the Bihari identity using traditional arts of the state.

Bihart – The Change

Bihar has a rich cultural heritage, yet very few people are aware of its handicrafts, only Bhagalpuri Tussar silk weaves and Madhubani paintings were the traditional arts that could find the spotlight. Traditional arts like Sujani, Manjusha, and Sikki, as well as weaves like extra weft, chingari, fishnet, and jharna have gone endangered.

With Bihart, Sumati creates contemporary designs using traditional arts, such as mulberry silk sarees, kurtis, crop tops, tote bags using appliqué figures, handmade Sujani dolls, and extra weft cushions.

She also claims that our perceptions of luxury are flawed. The term “luxury” is now often used to indicate “expensive.” Historically, luxury meant investing in durable, high-quality items. Everything from scent to furnishings to clothes has been affected by this.

In the luxury market, there is no longer any relationship between price and quality. “When I shop,” she continues, “I always try to figure out why something is so darn expensive.”

She wishes to bring back all artisans home, and with Biharat she wishes to provide each Bihari employment and change the notion of luxury with a brand tag, Keeping her vision clear she is hitting two birds with one stone.

At Bihart everything is done by the locals, from spinning the yarn to having the fabric handwoven to teaching the weavers and commissioning the original designs for each garment. This way she is not only giving a very crisp experience with handmade items but also is generating ample amount of employment for natives of Bihar.

Bihart’s most popular traditional arts products are mulberry silk sarees, extra-weft shirts, silk extra-weft cushions, and recycled crop tops. When it comes to garbage, Bihart doesn’t generate any. She explains that a Khadi crop top is designed using embroidered fabric remnants.

Bihart, which was started in 2020, makes Rs 1.5 lakh monthly. Goa, Bangalore, Delhi, Udaipur Rishikesh among others are some of the places where Bihart has walk-in shops.

Through Bihart, Sumati works closely with local weavers and crafters. She has a network of 12 weavers and 18 artisans, along with 15 full-time employees.

Sumati did face difficulties in seeking to enhance the skill level of these artisans but she shares it is critical to teach them how to evolve better. Bulls, kalash (pots), cows, and lotuses are among their most prevalent themes. Sumati also helps them with unique geometric designs.

A Glimpse Of A New World

She had ample free time to dedicate herself entirely to Bihart, and she had a vision for busting stereotypes. She had enough spare money and time from her teaching profession to make ends meet. Although founding Bihart was not a well-planned decision, things worked out wonderfully for her. She continues, “I never thought I’d make a brand, have a team, or take on traditional arts so seriously.”

Sumati considers Bihart to be a success since it achieves the objectives she set out to achieve when she originally started it. Her customers come from places such as Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, to name a few.

Her vision was to train Bihar in achieving good employment in the state itself while promoting the traditional art forms of the state and letting the world see what great magics the land has and indeed she seems to find great success in her tries.

[craftfurnish-blog]

THE GRASS ART

The tableau of Bihar on the theme of ‘Sikki Grass Craft’ during the Republic Day Parade, 2013 in New Delhi. The subsequent year saw the Bihar Pavilion at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi being decorated with Sikki Art during the International Trade Fair, 2014. Both these managed to bring back the disappearing traditional Craft form from Bihar and the incredible products made under it in the eyes of the world.

Sikki work was believed to be one of the must learn the craft for the young girls of marriageable age in Bihar. The items crafted by her used to be an important part of her dowry. Gifting various handcrafted products using sikki grass was a ritual followed in Bihar at the time of marriages.

Sikki grass grows in the waterlogged areas during the months of August and September. The grass is first removed from the stalks and is dried in sun for several days. Later, it is boiled in hot coloured water to add softness, flexibility and colour which makes it easier to be shaped into different objects like lamps, baskets, pots, stools, boxes and other decorative articles.

The technique used for making Sikki products is the simple coiling method. The actual shape of the object is formed with munj or khar (cheaper variants of grass available in the area). This forms the base of the product and gives it additional strength. Sikki grass is then coiled over a base made with munj thereby completely covering the structure. The only tool required in this art is a needle-shaped object called takua with which coiling and weaving are done. The natural sikki grass has a beautiful golden colour which is why it is also called Golden Grass. It is later coloured into different shades like red, yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink, etc. This coiling and weaving of coloured grass with the natural golden grass give a distinctive and unique appeal to the Sikki craftwork.

Sikki grass products are light in weight, organic, biodegradable and long-lasting. Earlier, women used to make utilitarian products like different kinds of baskets and boxes which were locally known as Jhappa, Mauni, Pauti, Gumla, Saji.

Jhappa - Big containers with covers to store food grains, spices, sweets, etc.

Mauni - Trays for keeping fresh fruits, betel leaves, nuts, flowers, etc.

Pauti - Beautiful small boxes with covers to keep jewellery, dry fruits, and other expensive items.

Gumla - Bowl like containers that served multiple uses.

Saji - Flower baskets.

Apart from these, there are also decorative and useful pieces made out of sikki grass such as coasters, mobile covers, masks, mirror frames, table mats, pencil boxes, hand-held fans, colourful bowls, jewellery boxes, bangles, toys, pen stands, paperweights, jewellery pieces, figures of deities and even dresses.

The main centres for Sikki art are located around Rayam, Rampur, Madehpur, Siddhi, Jaynagar, Katihar, Gaonaha, Sonvarsha and Sitamarhi in Bihar. With the advent of cheap plastic goods, the demand for traditional Sikki craft objects started declining. However, the art saw a revival in recent times as the awareness of the harmful effects of plastics came to light. With the efforts of Upendra Maharathi Shilp Anusandhan Sansthan in Patna, many artists trained themselves with the new skills and designs to meet the modern requirements. Furthermore, several award-winning artists like Kumudani Devi, Dhirendra Kumar, Najda Khatoon, Meera Thakur among others are working hard to keep this ancient craft form alive.

To preserve the traditional craft against imitation and the rights of artisans practising Sikki grass work in Bihar, it was registered under Geographical Indication (G.I. Tag) in the year 2007.

So, in case you are bored with your current home décor and are looking for an alternate means to redecorate your home, opt for this natural and eco-friendly product – Sikki Grass…  

Indian handicrafts online

[0samjha]

[mementomori412-blog]

G-Eazy

[investitbihar]

World Youth Skill Day 2022 | Bihar

“Skill Awareness Rath” will travel 14,153 km across the state to motivate the youth to make them skilled

“Skill Awareness Rath” was flagged offon 15th July on World Youth Skill Day 2022, by the Hon’ble Minister of Labour Resources & InformationTechnology, Govt. of Bihar, Shri Jibesh Kumar.

Bihar Skill Development Mission signedMoU with 7 reputed non-financial companies dedicated to skill creation

On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, on July 15, a special event is being organized by the Bihar Skill Development Mission, run under the Labor Resources Department, for the youth of the state, under which a skill awareness chariot was flagged off and is to be taken out across the state from July 15 to July 30. Which will pass through all the commissionerates and districts of the state through the skill development center established at the block level.

 The Chief Guest on the occasion Shri Jivesh Kumar, Hon’ble Minister, Labor Resources Department, inaugurated the event with the customarylighting of the lampin DashrathManjjhiInstituteAuditorium at DashrathManjhi Institute of Labor and Planning Studies, near Veterinary College Patna. Shri Rajiv Ranjan, Director Planning and Training, Shri AtulRanjan, Mission Director, Bihar Skill Development Mission, Shri Rakesh Ranjan, Mission Manager, Program Implementation, Smt. BhavnaVerma, State Engagement Officer, NSDC were also present on the occasion.

On the occasion, the Honorable Minister said that the number of youth is increasing rapidly in our country, whose skills are being made employable by the successful Prime Minister of the country, Shri Narendra Modi and the successful Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar. Bihar VikasKaushal Mission is continuously taking positive steps in this direction.

 Hon’ble Minister said that on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, for the first time, 9 skill awareness chariots are being sent, which will travel about 14,153 km in all the commissionerate/blocks across the state and will attract youth for skill development.

Hon’ble Minister further informed that KaushalRathis equipped with all the resources in which audio/video (movies related to skill, movies related to necessary information) along with information and handbills related to education will also be available, so that the youth will be able to achieve their potential in immediate and future.

The Hon’ble Minister said that for the purpose of providing employment to the youth of the state, 7 reputed companies of the country, non-financial agreement will be signed, in which Jai Bharat Maruti Group of Industries, Bhagwati Products Ltd. for manufacturing. Micromax Group, Aquasub Engineering, Flipkart Internet Pvt Ltd for Logistics, Barbeque Nation Hospitality Ltd for Hospitality, Fusion Microfinance Ltd for BFCI. And the job aggregators are the Village Development Society Bangalore. These companies will provide employment to the youth, as well as they will connect the youth of the state with employment by taking placement camps and personal interviews as per their requirement throughout the year. Street playwas also organized during the program.

 He congratulated the organizing body and supporting bodies for successfully conducting the program of World Youth Skills Day 2022, where more than 200 children were given citation and prize money in 16 competitions of various trade, ITI and KYP Wizard by Bihar Skill Development Mission. Many other trades were included in these competitions like sketching, photography, CNC milling and turning, traditional trade etc.

He also congratulated and encouraged the students during this event, skills competition was organized in association with various institutes including Sketching and Photography at NIFT Patna, CNC Milling/ CNC Turning/ Mechtronics at TRTC Patna, Plastic Die Engineering at CIPET, Web page designing at NIELIT and Madhubani Painting, Tikuli Art, Manjusha Painting, Sujni Painting, Jute Karft, Bamboo Craft and Sikki Art were included under the competition of Traditional Art with Electronic Engineering.

In the event, first, second and third prizes were given to the best three winners of the skills competition, the rest received consolation prizes. Models of excellent ITI institutes from across the state were also displayed during the program, out of which three best models received first, second and third prizes.

[dementiastrange]

~I love it when you sing~

[goldeagleprice]

Traditional craft of India: Handicraft on stamps part II

Despite rapid social and technological changes in India, the use of craft products is an integral aspect of an Indian’s social life.  Handicraft aims to process materials by hand with hand tools. The result of this can be a useful thing or a decorative. The tradition of making handicrafts is deeply frozen in the social norms of Indian society. In any of the handmade products, a crafter transfers an area of their cultural heritage in ideas, forms, material, and work. They’re skilled employees whose profession relies on manual skills. Their main tools are the power of work strategies; handicraft contains plenty of implicit data which grows every year, aboard with skills. The order and apprentice system has been widely used to transfer skills and implicit data. This aspect of handicraft is recognized by India Post, in 2019 Indian postal services has issued a series handicraft on stamps. The illustrated ‘handicraft on stamps’ series is well known and G.I tag recognized by the Indian government.

Handicrafts generally are theme-based and well-organized art in the hand of master craftsmen. India Post has at least commemorated five types of master craftsmen specimens on handicraft on stamps.

    Bronze handicraft of Karnataka

Karnataka is famous for its craft called ‘bidriware’ from Bidar, as it is the chief center for the manufacturing of this unique craft. It is a craft created on a metal plate-like zinc, copper, tin and lead. The article of Bidar was developed in the 14th century CE during the administration of Bahamani sultanate in the south. The technique of this art is influenced by Persian art. It is said that the first time it was brought to India by noted Sufi Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti in the form of utensils. To create bidar one has to follow eight-stage processes. The famous utensils that are in demand in the Nagamangala area near Mysore are the Bidriware like an ornamental jug, bowls, plates pen holders, candlesticks and even paper knives.

This rare and unique handicraft has also obtained the Geographical Indications (GI) registry. In 2018 India Post illustrated this magnificent native art of Karnataka in a series of stamps called handicraft on stamps. Bidriware is also practice in a state like Telangana, Bihar, Utter Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Kutch Embroidery

According to historians Kutch embroidery was brought about by ‘Kathi’ cattle breeders.  Later on, they settled down in the Gujarat area and created some fine needlework that displayed a variety of elements, designs, themes, patterns and moods known as Kutch embroidery. This embroidery has been practice and created in Gujarat-kutch are for centuries and between 16th and 17th centuries Kutch embroideries masterpieces were exported to western countries.  It is also believed that mochis or shoemakers were taught Kutch embroidery 300 years ago by a Muslim wanderer in Sindh and that is what started the tradition. The embroidery of Kutch further clubbed with the native tradition of Sindh tradition which evolved six styles like Suf, Khaarek, and Paako, Rabari, Garasia Jat and Mutava.

In March 2013, these colorful handicrafts of Kutch received the registry of Geographical Indications (GI). India Post also issued a stamp illustrating this craft in series handicraft on stamps in 2018.

  Sikki Pas Products of Bihar

Considered auspicious by the natives Sikki Pas handicraft involves the practice of weaving bamboo and cane into ornaments and an object of utility is a way for women to vent out their creative instincts. Since the historical time the area of Bihar been home to many dynasties which paved way too many craft development. Sikki Pas craft utilizes grass available in the surrounding that has served as a vital raw material in making a variety of products since ancient times. There is hardly a ritual where it is not taken into account, figures of deities and votive offerings are woven during festivals, young women weave baskets known as ‘Pauthi’ which are used to exchange gifts in a wedding, household items such as boxes, toys, jewelry, and murals are also crafted out of this grass. Sailesh puja, the only festival of the Moosahar tribe involves a wide range of colorful sikki products for ritualistic uses. Boxes made of sikki known as pauti are given to daughters by parents on the occasion of their wedding.

This native and sophisticated craft of Bihar has received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag. India Post has also issued a stamp in 2018 illustrating this unique craft.

    Jaipur Blue Pottery

Jaipur Blue Pottery is widely recognized as a traditional craft of Jaipur. His art of Rajasthan is influence by Turko-Persian in origin. The name ‘blue pottery’ comes from the vibrant cobalt blue dye used to color the pottery. It is one of many Eurasian types of Blue and White Pottery and related in the shapes and decoration to Islamic pottery and more distantly to the Chinese pottery. Some of these potteries are semi-transparent and mostly decorated with bird and other animal motifs. Being fired at very low temperature makes them fragile. The range of items is primarily decorative, such as ashtrays, vases, coasters small bowls and boxes for trinkets.

India Post has issued this unique pottery art on stamp through its 2018 stamp series handicraft on stamps. This stamp is also a reorganization of its Geographical Indications (GI) tag.

Maddalam of Palakkad

Madhalam is a percussion instrument that usually accompanies art forms like Kathakali. It is a round-shaped drum made out of jack wood or the wood of the Jackfruit tree. The wood is given a basic shape at first and then polished well. It is tied tightly with ropes. The two sides that are meant to play are made up of leather. Both these sides are made in such a way that they produce different sounds. The instrument is tied around the waist of the person playing this instrument.

In 2018, this fascinating handicraft related to one of the eight classical dances of India is illustrated on stamp through the initiative of India Post in the series of Handicraft on stamps. Its idea was initiated to celebrate the unique craft of India and spread awareness about this age-old tradition.

India’s Government has utilized a great number of resources for the restoration and sustenance of this traditional handicraft. There are many contemporary artists and designers who have tried to uplift this traditional craft making and increase it’s marked to preserve them. To further encourage and make it a successful career and profession for many, the institute of Craft and Design are established in Jaipur. Yet these efforts are not enough because the actual creator of this art is on the decline. Due to the cost and production of the material these artisan communities cannot effort to mass-produce this handicraft. Hence the value to this product increases and demand has decreased. As the trends are improvising hand-made stuff has a gradual rise in the market making Indian handicraft a timeless commodity. This unique aspect had increased the appeal of the craft and a gradual rise in its demand is seen in recent years due to its style, antiquity, and ethos. Indian handicrafts are unique and beautiful in their own ways which deserved a unique position in India’s social aspect and market.

Share

The post Traditional craft of India: Handicraft on stamps part II appeared first on Blog | Mintage World.

[rickeywilliam-blog]

15 BEST ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES IN INDIA?

Thinking about adventure activities make us thrill and fill us with excitement and happiness. Some wants to overcome the phobia of height or any other phobia by doing these activities and some wants to enjoy them. India, being a diverse country offers and fulfills the need of each and every individual by providing various adventure activities. Whole year you can feel the festive vibe in India. International tourists can also be a part of this by just obtaining the Indian visa. One can easily online indian visa and obtain it within 2-3 days and also within 24 hours for emergency visa to indiaand enjoy these festivals. Among all activities in India, 15 best adventurous activities in India are given below.

1. White Water Rafting and Kayaking

Imagine getting into the cold waters of the beautiful rivers and the thrilling speed of the water of Grade 1-5 and the cold breeze under the scorching sun. Would not that be great fun? India, the land having different rivers at various majestic places offers wide range of White Water Rafting and Kayaking.

If you want to discover and feel the bliss of water then you can do it alone also and with group also. Kayaking, is an individual water sport wherein, one can enjoy riding a small, narrow watercraft propelled by a double bladed paddle. It is one of the latest sport that can be seen growing in India. White Water Rafting, is a group activity, where people together row the boat and get the lashing of the beautiful river with the majestic view of the mountains and the nature.

Popular Areas for White Water Rafting

Brahmaputra River, Nameri National Park, Assam

Barapole River, Coorg, Karnataka

Mandovi River, Goa

Kundalika River, Saje, Maharashtra

Betwa River, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Indus River, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

Teesta River, Sikkim

Beas River, Kullu-Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Alaknanda River, Uttarakhand

Popular Areas for Kayaking

Devprayag in Karnataka

Rishikesh

Lakshwadeep Islands

Aguada river, Goa

2. Flyboarding

Something new isn’t it? Yes, it is one of the latest water sport, which is getting popular. But what is it ? Remember movie “Bang Bang”, wherein Hritik Roshan steering over the waves with the help of flyboard. So basically, it is a board and balancing water activity wherein, one hovers over the board and due to the pressure of water, you are able to reach the sky with balance. Isn’t it great? Being internationally quite popular, India is also taking it up.

Popular places for Fly Boarding

Baina Beach, Goa

3. Trekking

When we hear of this word, the first thing that comes to our mind is forest, mountains, greenery but if you get a chance to trek over the sizzling frozen white ice ? Shocking ! But yes, here in India, you get a chance to trek over the frozen Zanskar river, Ladakh, to the North of India.This river freezes during the months of January and February with thick blanket of snow and trekking enthusiasts trek for 8 days until they reach the frozen waterfall. Everything looks surreal over there the scenery, the temperature, the canyon valleys,etc.

India, has various landforms so it provides various trekking area, that is, the beautiful hilly regions of Ooty, Kerala, Munnar in South. The breath taking view of the Himalayas and the mountains in Uttarakhand and Himanchal Pradesh in North. The beautiful ranges of Sikkim, Darjeeling, Meghalaya in the East. These offer the trekkers to have the glimpse of the untouched beauty of nature.

Popular areas of Trekking

Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand

Chadar Trek, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Sikkim

Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Goecha La, Sikkim

4.Hot Air Ballooning

Remember as a child when we used to watch the famous “Mickey Mouse Show”, Mickey used to fly in his hot air balloon. Don’t you wish to experience the same as Mickey, the beautiful sky and make memories together with not only you but with your friends, children, relatives. So here is the chance, to live the moment of lifetime, soaring above the crowd, watching the world from a different horizion, from the eye of a bird, isn’t it thrilling ? You can watch the beautiful “Pink City”, Jaipur, the lovely regions of the Maharshtra and the beautiful sky.

Popular Areas for Hot Air Ballooning

Goa

Lonavala, Maharashtra

Neemrana, near Delhi

Hampi, Karnataka

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Pushkar, Rajasthan

5. Heli Skiing

Skiing, is what many would have tried but how about skiing in the regions where it is tough to reach. Wouldn’t it be thrilling for the adrenaline to ski and explore in the regions which are beyond the reach normally ? Heli skiing, is one of the popular skiing across the globe, offered in the beautiful white mountains of the Kashmir.

In this a helicopter drops the skiers to the skiing spots, and from there on, the skiers have to find their ways through the beautiful snow capped mountains. Skiing, can be done in various regions of India. Auli being the “Skiing Capital Of India” is often visited by tourists.

Popular Areas for Skiing and Heli Skiing

Auli, Uttarakhand

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

Yumthang Valley, Sikkim

Solang Nala, Himachal Pradesh

Munsiari, Uttarakhand

Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh

6.Bungee Jumping

How about watching the beautiful view “UPSIDE DOWN” ? Interesting isn’t it?To have this amazing experience you just need to jump from a height which can be 83 metres or above and vanish the fear of height in your mind and just jump. Voala! This will certainly send chills down the spine but its worth it. Being tied to a rope and falling freely certainly makes your adrenaline rush. Amaze yourself with this activity in India and add it onto your memories.

Popular Areas for Bungee Jumping

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Bangalore, Karnataka

Maharashtra

Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh

Goa

Delhi

7.Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Ever imagined how it would be deep down the sea. Wonderful ! Magestic ! And what not. Scuba diving, one of the best activity for one to see the beautiful coral reefs, the varied kinds of marine life,like, Scorpion fish, sharks, etc and the beautiful blue of the sea. Every divers wish is to dive in the beautiful sea of Andaman Island and here in India, one can fulfill the wish by diving deep inside the sea and creating the most sparkling memories of the sea. Snorkelling, is also one of the diving activity which is getting quite in demand, so as to experience the sea of Goa, is amazing. Get your equipments ready and dive in.

Popular Area For Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

The Andaman Islands

Netrani Island, Karnataka

Lakshadweep

Goa

Tarkarli, Maharashtra

Pondicherry

8.Dune Bashing

Interesting name and so is an interesting activity. Now no need to go to Dubai or any desert country for this activity. Right here in India one can experience dune bashing in lavish style in Jaisalmer. In a Suv, in the heart of the Thar desert, one can enjoy the dashing of sand coming your way. This action filled activity is worth a try. Get the feel of it Dubai style.

Popular areas for Dune Bashing

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

9. Paragliding

Who does not want to fly like a bird, right ? So here is the most exciting chance to fly like the Eagle in the sky in one of the safest destination of paragliding, that is, Bir-Billing, where the take-off site is 8000ft from sea level and the landing site is 4300 ft. It is the second highest paragliding in the world after Chamonix in Europe. One can quench the thirst to reach the skies and witness the life from the eye of a bird with paragliding. So glide along with an instructor or a friend, live the moment at the highest not under the blue sky but with the blue sky.

Popular Areas for Paragliding

Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh

Goa

Kamshet, Maharashtra

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Saputara, Madhya Pradesh

Gangtok, Sikkim

Munnar, Kerala

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Bangalore, Karnataka

Yelagiri, Chennai

Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

10. Microlight Flying

Do you want to fly like the “Wright Brothers”, the one who actually developed the aircraft ? If yes, then what are you waiting for ? Head to Bangalore and get ready to be the co-pilot inside the aircraft, wherein you get to have all the safety gears ready and camera. So get ready to soar high and conquer the sky, cause sky is limit !

Popular Areas for Microlight Flying

Mysore (old airport)

Jakkur (Bangalore)

Tambaram (Chennai)

11. Motor Cycling

Cycling, as we all know is good for our health. But what if we do cycling in the hilly ranges, stoney roads, rugged terrains, enchanting beauty of mountains with zig-zag way. Wow ! Is the word for an avid cyclist or for an adventurer. So India being the area of various land-forms offers various kind of cycling, be it in the enchanting mountains, scenic views, quaint villages and unbelievable places.

Popular Areas for Motor Cycling

Mumbai to Pune Expressway

Manali to Leh Highway

Shimla to Manali via Mandi

Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley

Manali to Leh Ladakh

Shimla to Spiti Valley

Siliguri to Yuksom

Bangalore to Kannur

Delhi to Mandawa

Guwahati to Tawang

Chennai to Munnar

Khardung La, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

12. Surfing

The name itself excite the inside of you. Surfing, popular activity internationally   can now be experienced in India too. Kovalam is one of the best option as there is a surf school and so one can be proficient in the art of surfing. Even a novice with little practise can learn this art. So get ready with your Banana Surfs and hit the waters.

Popular Areas for Surfing

Murdeshwara, Karnataka

Kallialay Surf School, Pondicherry

Ashwem Beach, Goa

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

Little Andaman, Andaman Islands

Varkala , Kerala

Paradip, Odisha

13. Flying Fox

Interesting name isn’t it? Flying fox, is the activity wherein you start your voyage against the wind and glide down a sequence of ultra-strong cables or zip lines, attached by a harness and pulley. You swing from one end to the other, exactly like a scene from the Hollywood movie. This unique aerial activity needs your courage and also excitement so go on and feel the world aerially.

Popular places for Flying Fox

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

New Delhi

Kikar, Punjab

14. Wildlife Safari

India, is filled with all kinds of flora and fauna. Wildlife is part of India and in each and every state one can see the varied animals from the one horn rhinos to the Great Bengal Tiger. This can be enjoyed with family and friends. So cherish the nature with the animals beside you by visting various sanctuaries in India.

Popular Areas for wildlife Safari

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Gir National Park, Gujarat

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra

Sunderbans Jungle Camp, West Bengal

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Hemis National Park, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan

15. Climb Frozen Waterfalls

This is one of the most amazing and initially started  activity by a group of adventure junkies in Spiti Valley. Thanks to these adventurer one can now climb these amazing frozen waterfalls and enjoy the enchanting beauty of Spiti Valley. For a real adventurer enthusiast this is the milestone which can be tried for sure.

Popular Areas for Climbing Frozen Waterfalls

Spiti Valley, Himanchal Pradesh

[bihartourism-blog]

Culture of Bihar

Esteemed as one of the oldest human inhabited vicinity, Bihar is the twelfth biggest and 3rd most populous country in India. With Patna as its capital in addition to the largest metropolis, Bihar is home to many crucial pilgrimage centers of just about all religions. Referred as Magadha in ancient texts, Bihar is marked because the place wherein one of the predominant religion — Buddism and one of the principal Indian Dynasty — Maurya Dynasty originated. Ancient Bihar, which included regions like Anga, Mithila and Magadha, changed into a centre of tradition, strength and education. Ancient Bihar became domestic to two crucial Universities — Nalanda and Vikramashila. Home to many traditionally and culturally critical locations, Bihar has wealthy history to boast about. Though summer and winter enjoy intense climates, the state enjoys a nice weather from October to November. Treasured with wealthy subculture and history, Bihar is domestic to many indigenous art types.

Arts and Crafts:

Madhubani Painting: Otherwise known as Mithila painting, this style of painting is specific to Bihar and adjoining Terai location of Nepal. This portray is finished with a colored paste crafted from rice powder. It is thought to be originated on the time of Ramayana, whilst King Janak commissioned artists to make art work for his daughter Sita’s marriage with Ram. This painting turned into originally executed on freshly plastered wall but, now it is made on cloths and canvases as properly. It is carried out with twigs, brushes, arms, matchsticks and nib pens. Eye-catching geometrical patterns are a major feature function of this painting. Madhubani paintings are traditionally made throughout gala’s, religious activities, and different important events like such as birth, Upanayanam (Sacred thread ceremony) and marriage. The Major situation of artwork are Hindu Deities, herbal objects like solar and moon, holy flora like Tulsi and many others.

Patna School of Painting: Also called Patna Qalaamas as well as Company Painting, this style of portray is an offshoot of the famous Mughal Miniature School of Painting. This artwork shape flourished in Bihar during early 18th to mid-twentieth century. Some of the Hindu artisans of Mughal portray who were running for the Mughal emperors, confronted persecution from Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, and sought refuge in Patna for the duration of past due 18th century and that is the way it got introduced in Patna. Thus, the commonplace traits shared by way of each Patna and Mughal Paintings are as a consequence not a twist of fate. Patna School of Painting captured market scenes in which as Mughal Paintings spoke simplest about royalty and courtroom scenes. The art work had been completed on paper and on mica with watercolours. These Paintings spoke a great deal approximately the neighborhood rulers, festivals, everyday existence of people and similar topics. Patna Paintings as a result have become famous and an Art School namely College of Arts and Crafts turned into set up in Patna beneath the leadership of Shri Radha Mohan.

Crafts: People in Patna make many articles the use of domestically available materials. Bamboo-made baskets, cups and saucers painted with shiny colours are determined in Bihari homes. A unique field referred to as pauti woven out of Sikki grass is given to bride as a present whilst she leaves for her in-legal guidelines after wedding. Cotton durries and curtains also are determined in plenty. Bhagalpur is famous for its sericulture, making accurate quantity of tusser silk.

Dance:

Bihar is a land of many types of people dances which occur its rich traditions and ethnic identity. Some famous folks dances are: sohrai nach, dhobi nach, manjhi, jhumarnach, gondnach, extra morni, jitiyanach, dom-domin, bhuiababa, kathghorwa nach, rah baba, jat jatin, bamar nach, jharni, jhijhia, launda nach, natua nach, bidapad nach, and gond nach.

Music :

Classical Singers: Bihar gave start to many music legends like Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, and Dhrupad singers just like the Malliks (Darbhanga Gharana) and the Mishras (Bettiah Gharana)

Folk Songs: Another interesting component approximately the Bihari song is that it has a very old subculture of folks songs, sung mainly for the duration of important events, like marriage, start ceremonies, festivals, etc. Padma Shri Sharda Sinha is the maximum famous Bihari people singer. These people songs are typically followed musical devices like dholak, bansuri, tabla and harmonium. Bihar is also famous for its lifestyle of energetic Holi songs ‘Phagua’, marked for its fun rhythms. Biraha songs, marked with the aid of excessive sadness originated in 19th century whilst many Biharis migrated to West Indies, Fiji and different British colonies as indentured labourers.

Theatre:

Theaters are a part of Bihar lifestyle. There are many traditional bureaucracy like Bidesia, Bihula- Sama Chakeva, Bisahari, Bahura-Gorin, Reshma-Chuharmal, Raja Salhesh, and Dom Kach, which originated within the Anga region of Bihar.

Literature:

Bihar has given start to many writers and pupils, like Mahamahopadhyaya Pandit Ram Avatar Sharma, R. K. Sinha, Raja Radhika Raman Singh, Dr. Bhagwati Sharan Mishra, Shiva Pujan Sahay, Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’, Divakar Prasad Vidyarthy and plenty of greater.

Bihar witnessed a literary and cultural motion Bhookhi Peedhi, or ‘Hungry era’ launched by means of brothers, Samir Roychoudhury and Malay Roy Choudhury on the capital city Patna in November 1961. The motion became able to make an effect on most of the Indian languages of the time.

Cuisine:

Bihar cuisine has each non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes. However, most of the Hindus avoid from non-vegetarian food on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Some casts of Hindus,Buddhist and Jains avoid non-vegetarian food. Others eat , mutton,chicken,fish, egg etc. Bihar cuisine is a lot similar to that of North-Indian food however, it’s miles prompted by way of japanese Indian delicacies like Bengali (Biharis use mustard oil for cooking). Chiwra, Sattu , Dhuska,Kadhi Bari, Khichdi, Ghugni, Pittha and Litti are a number of the critical conventional dishes.

Traditional Attire :

Bihari men put on Dhoti and Kurta whilst ladies deck up themselves in sari. Salwar kameez is also popular among Muslim ladies.

Religions:

Bihar has many important shrines of all main religions like Hindu, Muslim, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikh. Hinduism is the principle faith while Islam is the second biggest religion. It is assumed that the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh become born in Bihar in 1666 and lived his early life here, before moving to Anandpur. Gautam Buddha turned into Enlightened at Bodh Gaya in Bihar. No want to say how important this metropolis is for Buddists. Jainism is also related to Bihar. The twenty fourth Thirthankara Vardhamana Mahavira, was born in Vaishali around sixth century B.C.

Fairs & Festivals:

Bihar is a land of festivals. , Deepawali,Chhath , Teej,Shravani Mela, , Makar Sankranti, Chitragupta Puja,Holi, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Saraswati Puja, Kali Puja,Muharram, Ram Navami, Rakshabandhan, Ram Navami, Durga Puja,Maha Shivaratri, Christmas, Mahavir Jayanti, Lakshmi Puja, Guru Purab, Buddha Purnima and Bhai Dooj are the essential gala’s in Bihar.

Bihar is a nation with wealthy cultural heritage to boast approximately. Linked to epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, this kingdom is blended with Indian subculture. Important to all primary religions, it’s far a land of wealthy historical past.

[madhousequirks-blog]

THE WORLD WITHOUT ART IS JUST EH 🤮.. ISN'T IT? #wallart #wallicious #wall #mural #wallhanging #sikkiart #madhousequirks #sikki #grassweave #instagood #instalove #global #boho #bohemianstyle #bohohome #handmade #handicraft #fortheloveofhandmade #handcraftedwithlove #interiordesign #interiors #interiorstyling #picturesque #artinstallation #gypsystyle #bohovibes #instaart #creativehappylife #lifestyleblogger

[craftfurnish-blog]

Crafts of India

INDIAN HANDICRAFTS: KNOW ABOUT  VARIOUS CRAFTS OF INDIA

From time immemorial, the crafts of India are known and praised worldwide. India has a vast cultural heritage that is reflected within the sophistication of its varied craftworks. The skilled artisans have managed to survive and uphold our heritage by creating exclusive pieces of art that reflects the influence of various empires on the works from our different states.

POTTERY

Known as one of the oldest and most beautiful forms of decoration, the tradition of pottery making dates back to the times of Indus Valley Civilization. Decorated pots have been used in all walks for a multitude of purposes. Pottery can be both handmade and wheel-made.

Figurines of religious importance, various artefacts, toys, dolls, pots, vases made of terracotta from Assam, Odisha, Keonjhar and Khurda; painted black wares from Uttar Pradesh; painted pottery with geometrical patterns from Bikaner and Pokhran in Rajasthan and Kagzi pottery from Alwar; the most famous blue pottery (wherein the blue dye is used to colour objects) from Jaipur and works from states of Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal are some of the worth mentioning names.

JUTE

Widely known as the golden fibre, Jute comes second to cotton in terms of production in India. An extremely flexible fibre, it is turned and twisted easily to make a variety of articles. For centuries, jute has been an integral part of the culture of West Bengal, Assam and Bihar.

LEATHER

The leathercraft started perhaps during the times of Indus Valley civilization where the artisans mainly engaged in the making of clothes, footwear, caps, bags, saddles, shield, etc. The leather shoes, bags, garments, etc from Madhya Pradesh and the famous Kolhapuri chappals from Maharashtra are known all across the world.

METAL CRAFT

Metal crafts in India also originated during the Indus Valley Civilization. The statue of the Dancing Girl, bronze statues of the Chola kingdom and the iron pillar erected by Ashoka’s, the great, all witness our rich legacy in metal craft. Besides creating mythological figures and deities, other items include metal pots, pans, frames, locks, key chains etc.

The famous metal craft includes Bidri ware of Andhra Pradesh; Pembharti from Warangal district in Telangana; Dhokra metal craft from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh; Kamrupi metal craft from Kamrup, Assam. Made from brass and bell metal the items produced by this metal craft are pots, bowls, water pots, cymbals etc. The region of Ladakh is famous for its brass and iron vessels and the Kashmir is known for its naquashi work.

STONEWORK

Stonework has always fascinated all since long. The intricately carved palaces, forts and temples where various forms of carving, engraving, sculptures and undercuts are done on stones. The rock and marble carvings from Rajasthan, Jaipur, Odisha and Nagpur; the stoneware from Madhya Pradesh includes household items such as chakla, silbatta, handis, chakkis, etc. Gwalior, Ratlam, Mandsaur are famous for sculptures and figurines of religious importance. Pattharkatti in Gaya, Bihar is known as the village of stone carvers where the artisans churn out beautiful pieces made from black stone (granite). The ancient temples of Odisha and Khajuraho are world-famous examples of rock crafts of India. Marble ware from Agra in Uttar Pradesh owes its credit to the famous Taj Mahal.

NEEDLEWORK

The rich craft of India is incomplete without the mention of the famous thread and needlework from the different states of our sub-continent. The chikankari from Lucknow, crewel embroidery from Kashmir, applique work from Rajasthan, mirror embroidery from Gujarat and Rajasthan, kantha embroidery from West Bengal, phulkari from Punjab, Zardozi from Uttar Pradesh. Today these works are not limited to clothes but shawls, pillow and cushion covers, dupattas, home furnishings, bags, bedspreads, wall hangings are all in high demand.

WEAVE CRAFT

India has a rich and diverse weaving tradition. Be it fabrics made out of silk, cotton, or wool, the demand is never-ending. Silk saris, namely the Baluchari of West Bengal and Mooga and Assam silk of Assam, famous Banarasi saris, Kanchipuram, and Pochampalli saris from Tamil Nadu, Paithani from Maharashtra are among the finest saris in India. Among the cotton work, Khadi and kalamkari continue to dominate the market even today. Wool work is best when it comes to Pashmina shawls from Kashmir and Kullu shawls from Himachal Pradesh.

GI location crafts in India

The Indian traditional crafts have been diminishing in the current times. In order to protect our precious craftworks and the associated cultural heritage, GI tag is conferred on the handicrafts. The tag is used on products which corresponds to a specific geographical location from where they originated. The Government of India enforced the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act in 1999, which came into force in 2003. The GI tag confirms the product is made with specific standards and provide proprietary rights to the traditional producers and encourage them to make and sell authentic products. Today more than 150 handicraft products have been added to the GI list. The most popular ones include:

Geographical Indication              State/UT

Pochampalli Ikat                           Telangana

Chanderi Saris                              Madhya Pradesh

Mysore Silk                                   Karnataka

Bidriware                                       Karnataka

Kullu shawl                                    Himachal Pradesh  

Channapatna toys and dolls          Karnataka

Phulkari                                         Punjab, Haryana & Rajasthan

Kashmir Pashmina                        Kashmir

Thanjavur paintings                      Tamil Nadu

Kani shawl                                    Jammu & Kashmir

Nakshi Kantha                              West Bengal

Blue pottery of Jaipur                    Rajasthan

Bastar Dhokra                               Chattisgarh

Kutch embroidery                          Gujarat

Lucknowi Chikankari                       Uttar Pradesh

Sanganeri hand block print             Rajasthan

Kota Doria                                       Rajasthan

Warli painting                                  Maharashtra

Kolhapuri chappal                           Maharashtra

Temple jewelry of Nagercoil            Tamil Nadu

Durgi stone carvings                       Andhra Pradesh

Orissa Pattachitra                           Odisha

Patola Sari                                      Gujarat

Banaras brocades and saris           Uttar Pradesh

Lucknowi Zardozi                            Uttar Pradesh

Bobbili Veena                                  Andhra Pradesh

Kashmir paper machie                    Jammu & Kashmir

Toda embroidery                              Tamil Nadu

Leather toys of Indore                      Madhya Pradesh

Nirmal toys and craft                        Telangana

Salem silk                                         Tamil Nadu

Sikki grass products of Bihar            Bihar

Khatwa work of Bihar (Applique)      Bihar

Indian handicrafts online

[paintcollar]

5 NGO’s Who Are Using Creative Ways To Keep Art Alive In India.

India, the home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, has an abundance of beautiful art forms. Most of these art forms are either forgotten, or still live on as they are and some have been molded to fit the needs of globalization.

However, with the advent of globalization, the value of aesthetic moments has changed. While culture and traditions give us a sense of belonging, it only represents the outward appearance of things instead of their inner significance. Hence, in order to preserve, promote and protect the art in India, there are various NGO’s in India that realize the importance of creating awareness about it. In this piece, Paintcollar brings to you, five Indian non-profits that have been successful in promoting Art through creative methods.

1. ST+ART

St+art India is a non profit organization that aims to make art as accessible as finding it on the streets of India. Through their art festivals in major cities like Delhi, Bangalore and Bombay, they work towards changing the visual landscape of a city through installations, murals, screenings, tours, workshops and more. In their Delhi edition of the festival, which was held in February 2016, St+art managed to rope in more than 25 artists from across the globe. They were successful in transforming Delhi’s Lodhi Colony into India’s first public art district. In an attempt to resume the use of street art as a social and participatory action, issues like women empowerment and Clean India Mission were also addressed.

The next edition is going to be hosted in Bombay in October! Don’t forget to sign up and witness this initiative promote art.

2. The Foundation for Indian Contemporary Art (FICA)

An Indian non-profit organization, FICA aims to widen the audience for Indian contemporary art, increase prospects for artists, and develop an ongoing dialogue between arts, artists and the people through various events, education and public art projects. One of their primary events is “young at art”, a program that gives autonomy to children’s creativity and imagination, while familiarizing them to art and its historical perspectives. They also have various national-level awards, scholarships and grants to promote emerging artists and their art work. FICA understands the grave need for quality research in India and through the FICA Research Fellowship, they aim to recognize, support and inspire researchers, writers and scholars working in the field of visual arts.

Artists interested in Media Arts can apply for a residency program organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan. You will get to stay in Tokyo on an all-expenses paid trip, with an aim to not only support the creation of significant artworks but also to stimulate cross-cultural dialogues. Deadline: September 19, 2017.

3. Very Special Arts India (VSAI)

Established in 1986, Very Special Arts India (VSAI) is a non-profit organization that works to create a platform where all those with disabilities can come together in order to create, learn and enjoy the arts. They firmly believe in their motto: to fortify the belief of those less privileged, that, no mental or physical challenge need ever limit the human potential to create and excel. Unlike other organizations working with the disabled, VSAI uses remedial art therapies including visual arts, dance, music and crafts. “Art as therapy” embodies the idea that art making is, in and of itself, therapeutic and that the creative process is a growth-producing experience. Art is used by VSAI to support, maintain, and improve the psychosocial, physical, cognitive and spiritual health of individuals of all ages. They believe that art, in any form, enhances the health and has a positive effect on the quality of life.

Anyone can volunteer to generously contribute their time and skills to help run the activities to help the children and youth, through art.

4. Indian Institute of Cartoonists (IIC)

The Indian Institute of Cartoonists is a one of its kind organization, that has been established with the sole aim to promote the art of cartooning in India. Based out of Bangalore, this organization aims to provide recognition to talents in cartooning, reward them and give them an opportunity to showcase their artworks. IIC has done commendable work in order to preserve this art form for the future generations, guide the budding cartoonists and primarily to promote this art among the masses. Presumably, IIC is one of the few organizations that successfully works in the field of cartooning. They organize cartoon galleries for budding artists every month, host various cartoon workshops and have numerous awards that are bestowed upon those who have excelled in the art of cartooning.

The organization will soon be starting a one-year certificate course in Cartooning. The candidates will be training in spheres like basics of cartooning, caricatures, political and social cartoons and even be educated about the business and advertising aspects of cartooning.

5. Happy Hands Foundation

Happy Hands Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated towards the revitalizing of traditional or folk arts and crafts, that will assist in empowering rural artisans and promoting community development. Sorrowfully, more than 200 Indian crafts are on the verge of extinction today and many artisans have switched to other labor jobs. Through the process of industrialization and globalization, the life of craftsman and artisans has been reduced to extreme poverty. Today, Happy Hands foundation markets arts and crafts as distinctive and unheard of as Sujini, Dhokra, Cheriyal, Bidri, and Sikki grass. Through their various programs, Happy Hands has successfully introduced artisan products for corporate gifting, helped Indian artists to inculcate more through international exchange programs and inspired artisans to start their own ventures and sell their products online.

Join them and indulge in the journey of the forgotten significance of heritage and culturally rich arts and crafts, artisan empowerment, youth leadership and entrepreneurship in arts, and cultural exchanges.

There are two kinds of people in this world- the ones who feel and the ones who think. Thankfully, there are various non-governmental organizations who feel as well as think and strive towards helping and promoting a cause for the greater good.

Hope you had a good and informative read!