What is bandhni?

Bandhni, also known as Bandhani, is a traditional textile art form that originated in the Indian state of Gujarat. It involves tying small sections of cloth with threads and then dyeing the fabric in multiple colors to create intricate patterns. The tying of the cloth creates a resist that prevents the dye from penetrating the tied sections, resulting in beautiful and colorful patterns.

Bandhni uses various types of designs, including dots, squares, stripes, waves, and patterns inspired by nature, such as flowers and leaves. The use of colors is also crucial in Bandhni, and natural dyes made from vegetables, fruits, and flowers are typically used to create a range of colors.

The Bandhni technique is typically used to create sarees, dupattas (scarves), turbans, and other traditional Indian garments. It is a labor-intensive process, and skilled artisans spend hours tying small knots and dying the fabric to create intricate designs.

Bandhni has gained popularity globally, and many fashion designers have incorporated the technique into their collections. The art form has been recognized worldwide, and in 2019, UNESCO designated the Bandhni textile tradition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.