From Bonfire to Brushstrokes!

Ever wondered what happens when you ditch your usual New Year’s routine for a college industrial visit to Kutch, Gujarat? This made me say, Saal ke phele din mujhse DIY nahi hua. Ab pure saal hogaya ke nahi? (Will the entire year go by without me indulging in any DIY, just like the first day?) Jo saal ke phele din karte hai vohi pure saal hota hai (What you do on the first day of the year sets the tone for the whole year?”) Haha!

Little did you know, this simple switch could turn into the most adorable and unforgettable experience, making you question if it’s all real. Picture your trip shifting from a cozy bonfire to an unexpected DIY haven. Does it feel like the universe tailored this just for you?

We embarked on a surprise trip to Bhujodi, where we had the privilege of meeting Mr. Ashish Kansara, a practitioner of Rogan art prints. Rogan painting is a traditional cloth printing craft practiced in Gujarat, Peshawar, and Sindh. In this art form, paint made from boiled castor oil and vegetable dyes is applied to fabric using a stylus.

Our excitement to try Rogan painting was palpable. My love for art and crafts is akin to building sandcastles on the beach – shaping moments of joy and creativity. I was elated, and Mr. Ashish’s guidance added an extra layer of charm to the experience. Fueled by my energy and curiosity, I requested Mr. Ashish Kansara to provide me with a new piece of cloth. Without hesitation, I began creating random outlines that had been brewing in my mind, all the while cheered on by my friends.

Lost in the joy of the moment, I was oblivious to time. When it was finally time to leave, I carefully folded the cloth for the chap (chhap means print) on the another side, cradling it like my little baby, preserving it until I reached home. I refrained from unpacking my bag because I yearned to witness the entire outline, hidden within the foldover. The Rogan art outline emerged beautifully, a testament to the fun and fulfillment I experienced during the process.

Since I lacked Rogan art materials, I decided to add details with fabric paints. We were informed that Rogan art is traditionally done with orange, blue, green, white, and yellow colors only. In order to preserve the authenticity of the genuine Rogan yellow color border, I opted for colors other than yellow.

It took me a few hours to complete the design, but those hours were filled with joy and a renewed appreciation for life.

This extraordinary opportunity to unexpectedly experience such beauty would not have been possible without the heartfelt gratitude I extend to my amazing professors, Ms. Shobha Venkatesh ma’am and Ms. Kiran Dalani ma’am. Dil se dhanyawad. No words can adequately describe the joy and happiness I felt while creating this beautiful piece.

While exploring Rogan art was exciting, there’s one more unexpected adventure I can’t wait to share with you. Stay tuned for the next chapter “From Brushstrokes to ….”