India’s textile diversity is unmatched! Each of her 28 states has a wealth of abundance working primarily with natural fibres of cotton, silk, jute and blends thereof. Over the last 15 years, my wife & i have criss-crossed the heartlands of 10 of these states to explore how we could build a bridge between local artistry & urban needs. This seeking journey has over the years created a vibrant business that my wife, Neeta, manages.
Banjaras, is a store that retails natural fabrics in prints, weaves & handstitched yardage, and creates made-to-measurement ensembles from them, to the discerning urbanite, in the vibrant city of Pune in western India. A store that has, besides other accolades, also found mention in USA’s leading natural fibre magazine Fiberarts, for the work it does.
Often, during these simplistic journeys, we have encountered formidable artists in the field of textiles, who have made it an humbling experience. Such wealth of knowledge, such simplicity, such dedication, such creativity, such mastery over skills, such apathy by Govt. authorities, all of it boggles the mind!
Recommended regions & routes for textile tours?
- Andhra Pradesh (weaves & kalamkari)
- Madhya Pradesh ( fine weaves, prints, batik)
- Kutch-Bhuj (aari work, stitchwork & embroidery)
- Gujarat & Rajasthan (high quality block printing, tie & dye)
- Chhatisgarh ( weaves in natural dyes only)
- Uttar Pradesh (chikankari chain stitch work)
- West Bengal (silk kantha chain stitch work)
…ofcourse there are many more that have a fountain of skillsmanship. Over the years, inter-state fusion of art too has been experimented successfully with.
To undertake one such journey, usually escorted, is a stunning experience. Recommended no. of days: 7-10. Stay arrangements: Modest. 
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