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Showing posts with the label handmade

Celebrate Raksha Bandhan: The Timeless Joy Festival of Sibling Love and Protection

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  At Namma Choice , we believe in celebrating traditions that strengthen family bonds and honor Indian culture . Raksha Bandhan , celebrated with great enthusiasm every year, is a festival that symbolizes the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Join us as we explore its origins, regional customs, and the best ways to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with meaningful gifts. --- What Is Raksha Bandhan? Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi , translates to “bond of protection” in Sanskrit . On this special day, sisters tie a decorative rakhi (thread) on their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing love, prayers for their well-being, and a brother’s lifelong promise to protect his sister. --- Origins and Legends of Raksha Bandhan Raksha Bandhan dates back thousands of years, with roots tracing to the Indus Valley Civilization , one of the world’s oldest cultures. The festival’s deep mythology includes stories such as: Draupadi and Lord Krishna : Draupadi tied a cloth around Krishna’s wrist during a battle, and...

Kashida Embroidery: The Threaded Soul of Kashmir

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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...

🌟 Lippan Art: The Mirror Magic of Kutch’s Mud Walls

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  🧡 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...