Namma Choice - Cultural Market

✨ Introduction In the vibrant cultural fabric of Karnataka and parts of Maharashtra, "Gubbi Chattu" holds a sacred yet quiet place. It's not widely spoken of, not found on commercial shelves, and certainly not mass-produced. But for generations, this soft, symbolic postnatal gift has been woven into tradition — passed on by grandmothers, mothers, and village elders with deep emotion. At Namma Choice, we are honored to revive and offer this rare tradition — a small item with great cultural warmth. --- 🌿 What is Gubbi Chattu? Gubbi Chattu (or ಗುಬ್ಬಿ ಚಟ್ಟು in Kannada) is a delicate, cloth-wrapped piece traditionally gifted only after the birth of a baby. It symbolizes: Protection from negativity and harsh weather. Warmth and softness for the newborn. Blessings and good fortune for both baby and mother. This is not a seemanta gift (which is offered during pregnancy). Gubbi Chattu is specifically given after childbirth, usually by elders in the family or community...

 In the snow-kissed valleys of Himachal Pradesh, among cedar-covered mountains and ancient temples, lives a quiet tradition — woven not with brush or pen, but with thread . The Chamba Rumal , literally translating to “handkerchief of Chamba,” is not just a textile but a visual story passed down through generations. 📍 Origin & Location: Where It All Began Chamba Rumal derives its name from Chamba , a princely town nestled in the northwestern part of Himachal Pradesh , known for its rich cultural legacy and miniature Pahari painting tradition. It was in the 17th century , during the reign of Raja Umed Singh (1748–1764) , that this craft reached royal status. While embroidery traditions existed before, it was under royal patronage that miniature painting artists collaborated with skilled women embroiderers to produce the distinct style we now identify as Chamba Rumal. 👑 Who Started It: The Royal Influence Though needlework has been part of Indian tradition for centuries, Chamb...

Kashida, one of the most intricate and beautiful embroidery styles of India, originates from the breathtaking valley of Jammu & Kashmir. With motifs inspired by the natural charm of the region—chinar leaves, lotuses, birds, and mountain flora—Kashida is not just embroidery, but a form of storytelling woven into fabric. --- 🧵 A Glimpse into Its Origin Kashida embroidery traces its roots to the royal courts and traditional households of Kashmir. Historically practiced by both men and women, this art has been passed down through generations, especially among artisan families in Srinagar, Anantnag, and Baramulla. What makes Kashida unique is that a single stitch is often enough to complete a motif—this requires not only expertise but also a deep artistic sense. --- 🎨 Design & Motifs Nature plays a vital role in Kashida. You’ll often find motifs like: 🍁 Chinar Leaves – a symbol of Kashmir’s heritage 🕊️ Birds – particularly the parrot and kingfisher 🌸 Lotus & Flo...

India’s rich tapestry of traditions beautifully blends nature and spirituality. Naga Panchami is one such sacred festival where serpents—symbols of power, protection, and transformation—are worshipped with deep reverence. --- 🌿 Why is Naga Panchami Celebrated? Observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright half of the Shravana month, Naga Panchami is dedicated to serpent deities. Devotees offer prayers for protection from snakebites, and blessings of health, prosperity, and family well-being. --- 🌍 Celebrated Across India Contrary to the common belief that it's only a South Indian tradition, Naga Panchami is celebrated across India, though customs vary by region: South India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana) – Offerings are made at serpent temples and natural anthills. Sacred serpent patterns are drawn at homes, and milk is offered with prayers. Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat) – Snake charmers bring live cobras to villages. Devotees o...

  🧡 A Reflection of Tradition, Crafted by Hand In the sun-scorched villages of Gujarat’s Kutch region, walls do more than divide space — they tell stories . Covered in intricate patterns and shimmering mirrors, these walls are living canvases of a timeless folk tradition known as Lippan Art . Made with humble materials like clay and mirrors , Lippan (meaning “to apply”) is not just a decorative art — it’s a language of identity, belief, and rural imagination passed down through generations of artisan women. 🪞 What Makes Lippan Art Unique? Lippan art — also called mud and mirror work — was originally practiced by communities like the Rabari , Mutwa , and other tribal groups of Kutch. This art once adorned the interiors of mud huts , not for fashion, but to bring coolness, light, and spiritual protection to the homes. Key elements: Clay motifs formed entirely by hand Mirror inlays that shimmer with natural sunlight Geometric, floral, peacock, and abstract tribal d...

By Namma Choice – Celebrating Cultural Craft, One Clay Story at a Time “Before stone, before metal, before machines… there was clay. And there were hands.” 🌏 Where It All Began: The Origins of Terracotta Terracotta is one of humanity’s oldest creative expressions —older than most recorded languages. Archaeological findings trace its birth back to around 7000 BCE , even before the wheel was invented. In the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (Harappa and Mohenjo-daro), terracotta objects like animal figurines, fertility goddesses, house models, and toys were made by hand and sun-dried or fired in kilns. These were not just artifacts—they were reflections of everyday life, social beliefs, spiritual needs , and early craftsmanship . It was the earliest form of "art for life" , used for: Worshipping gods and nature Cooking and storing water Building walls and roofs Teaching stories and traditions to children 📍 Terracotta is not just old—it is eternal . ...

  Namma Choice – Celebrating Culture with Every Thread In a quiet village, under the soft hum of conversation and the rhythm of running stitches, something beautiful is born — a Koudi . Not just a quilt, but a story stitched from memory, community, and care . At Namma Choice , we celebrate such cultural treasures that blend purpose with poetry — and the Koudi stands as one of the most heartfelt examples of Indian craft rooted in sustainability . 🪡 What is a Koudi? In North Karnataka , the word Koudi (ಕೌಡಿ) refers to a traditional hand-stitched quilt , made from old sarees, dhotis, children’s frocks, and worn-out clothing. These fabrics — layered and bound by rows of neat, rhythmic stitches — become more than a blanket. They become a living memory . 🧵 Every Koudi tells a story — stitched by women, often in circles, as they talk, laugh, and pass on tradition. 🌍 India’s Patchwork Legacy: Different Names, One Spirit Though it's called Koudi in Karnataka, this humble quil...

 A Journey into One of the World’s Oldest Sustainable Traditions 🌱 Introduction Bamboo is more than a plant. It is a story of survival, creativity, and cultural intelligence — nurtured in silence, shaped by hands, and used with care across centuries. Across India and the world, bamboo art has quietly contributed to livelihoods, identity, and ecological balance. As we reimagine conscious consumption, the time has come to understand how bamboo connects people, nature, and purpose . 📖 When and Where It Began The earliest traces of bamboo craftsmanship appear in prehistoric communities in Asia. In regions where bamboo grew abundantly, it became a natural extension of life — woven into homes, rituals, tools, and art. India : Bamboo craft traditions go back centuries, deeply embedded in tribal and rural lifestyles, especially in Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, and Karnataka . China & Japan : Bamboo played a vital role in classical arts, archite...

Among the many jewels that tell the story of India’s rich heritage, the Putali Haar stands out as a radiant example of devotion, culture, and feminine grace. Deeply rooted in Maharashtrian tradition, this unique ornament is more than just a necklace — it’s a symbol of ancestral pride and spiritual abundance. --- 🕰️ Historical Origins: When Did Putali Haar Begin? The origins of the Putali Haar date back to the Maratha Empire, particularly during the rule of the Peshwas (18th century). At a time when Hindu traditions and temple art flourished under royal patronage, women of noble families wore this coin necklace as a display of both wealth and spiritual reverence. The word "Putali" (पुतळी) in Marathi means doll or image, but in this context, it refers to the images of deities imprinted on the coins strung together in the haar. These images were believed to protect, bless, and honor the wearer. --- 🔶 Design and Structure: What Makes It Special? Putali Haar is tradi...

Kinnal Art, also known as Kinhal Craft, is a centuries-old traditional art form from Kinhal village in Koppal district, Karnataka. Known for its vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and religious significance, this unique wooden craft represents the rich artistic heritage of South India. --- 🧱 Origin and History Kinnal Art dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire (14th–17th century), flourishing under royal patronage. It was primarily used to decorate temples, chariots (rathas), and religious idols. Artisans known as 'Chitragars' or 'Bammavalis' passed the skills through generations, keeping the sacred tradition alive. --- 🪵 What Makes Kinnal Art Unique? Base Material: Made from a mixture of wooden powder (sawdust), tamarind seed paste, and water, shaped on lightweight wooden frames. Color Scheme: Bright primary colors like red, green, yellow, and blue are used, traditionally made from natural pigments. Motifs: Mainly mythological figures, temple idols, religi...

India is a canvas of cultures — and traditional clothing is one of the most vibrant threads woven into this heritage. From the snowy hills of Kashmir to the deserts of Rajasthan and the coasts of Kerala, every state — even every district — carries a unique clothing tradition born from its climate, culture, festivals, occupations, and spiritual practices. This blog explores how each Indian state’s dress evolved, what makes it special, and why people wear it. --- 🔴 1. Punjab – Colors of Courage and Celebration Men: Kurta-Pajama, Turban (Pagdi) Women: Salwar-Kameez with Phulkari embroidery Why this dress? Designed for agriculture and movement. The Phulkari embroidery celebrates joy, fertility, and strength. Districts like Amritsar, Patiala, and Ludhiana are known for bold embroidery and bridal trousseaus. --- 🟠 2. Rajasthan – Royal Threads from the Desert Men: Angrakha, Dhoti, Safa (colorful turban) Women: Ghagra-Choli with Bandhani or Leheriya Why this dress? Loose, bright ...