• Heritage,  Sarees

    My Saree Stories: Part 7

    Part seven of the series contains some trivia about saree motifs from Kanchipuram, some more trivia about the weaving of mulmul, and an invaluable lesson from my Dad when I went saree shopping. Saree #61: A Kanchi…

  • Heritage,  Sarees

    My Saree Stories: Part 6

    The saree obsession now takes greater heights. I had bought this black saree last year in November from a stall outside a conference in Nagpur. I wore it but for the life of me couldn’t remember what…

  • Heritage,  Sarees

    My Saree Stories: Part 5

    I’m back with more saree stories, this time with stories about typical Bihari traditions and some lesser known handlooms. Saree #41: A green leheriya from Rajasthan This was a very special moment for us in 2014. My…

  • Art,  Heritage,  Sarees

    Khenda: The saree quilt

    The house has become quieter. The mourning rituals ended last evening. Most visitors have left. Even people of the house are beginning to travel. Work beckons. Subodh and one of my nieces together come to me. “Do…

  • Heritage,  Sarees

    My Saree Stories: Part 4

    Welcome back to savour the next part of my saree stories. This time I have for you some funny stories from my Chennai visit, including some experiments with a new drape, and some ordinary days draped in…

  • Heritage,  Sarees

    My Saree Stories: Part 3

    Summer has transitioned to the much awaited monsoons. Romance is in the air. A compilation of some more of my saree stories. Saree#21: A summery cotton saree with applique work My other sarees go into hibernation or…

  • Heritage,  Sarees

    My Saree Stories: Part 2

    I believe that every saree needs to be celebrated. Every saree has a story. I have been penning down saree stories for another forum. I just wanted to compile them all together before they got swallowed up…

  • Heritage,  Sarees

    My Saree Stories: Part 1

    I have always been in love with the saree. But discovering the heritage behind the fabric and the weaves is a recent passion. Since the last one month I have been penning down the stories behind my…

  • Folklore,  Heritage,  Musings,  People

    We need Kabir again

    . निंदक नियरे राखिए, ऑंगन कुटी छवाय, बिन पानी, साबुन बिना, निर्मल करे सुभाय। (Build a hut for your critics in your courtyard, and keep them close to you. They will scrub you clean, without water, without…