Namma Choice - Cultural Market

  🧡 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...

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...

In India, walls are not just structures — they are canvases of time. From the heart of Kerala’s temples to the desert havelis of Rajasthan, India’s mural paintings are more than just visual art — they are historical, spiritual, and cultural records that have been passed down through centuries. Welcome to the colorful, detailed, and symbolic world of Indian mural painting — where every stroke carries a legend, and every pigment holds a purpose. --- 🕉️ Origin of Mural Paintings in India Mural painting is one of the oldest art forms known to India. Archaeological and literary evidence traces this tradition as far back as the 2nd century BCE, starting with the Ajanta caves in Maharashtra, which feature some of the finest examples of ancient murals. These early murals were spiritual and royal in nature, painted on walls using natural pigments and organic tools. Temples, caves, palaces, and even tribal huts across India have served as the base for these eternal artwo...

🪶 What Are Kolhapuri Chappals? Kolhapuri Chappals are handcrafted leather sandals originating from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, known for their intricate design, long-lasting quality, and deep cultural roots. Made using vegetable-tanned leather, and crafted entirely by hand—without nails or machines—these chappals are symbols of Indian rural artistry and heritage. --- 🛕 When & How It Was Created The roots of Kolhapuri Chappals trace back to the 12th century, during the reign of King Bijjala of Bidar and his visionary minister Basavanna, who encouraged artisanal work and supported the leather-working community. The craft gained wide recognition in the early 20th century, especially under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the ruler of Kolhapur, who promoted local artisans and helped establish the chappal’s cultural and economic value. --- 📍 Where Are They Made? Kolhapuri Chappals are traditionally made in: Maharashtra: Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur Karnataka: Belgaum, Bagalkot,...

warli art Soul of Warli Art from Maharashtra What is Warli Art? Warli art is not just an art form — it is a living expression of tribal life, philosophy, and harmony with nature. Born from the soil and stories of the Warli tribe in Maharashtra, these striking white drawings against earthen backgrounds capture the soul of rural India. Each figure, shape, and pattern is a silent poem that narrates the joy of dance, the rhythm of the seasons, and the strength of community. Where and How Did Warli Art Begin? Warli art traces its roots back thousands of years — with origins believed to date as far back as 2500 BCE . Practiced in the Palghar and Thane districts of Maharashtra, it was traditionally painted by tribal women on the mud walls of huts during festivals, harvests, weddings, and sacred rituals. These paintings weren’t for show — they were for the gods, the spirits, and the community. Warli was, and still is, a medium of cultural memory and spiritual symbolism — passed on throu...

  🍀🌿 Pandharpur Wari – A Divine Walk of Faith By NammaChoice – Preserving Indian Cultural Heritage 📖 What is Pandharpur Wari? Pandharpur Wari (also known as Ashadhi Wari ) is a 700-year-old spiritual pilgrimage in Maharashtra. Every year, lakhs of devotees—called Warkaris —walk barefoot for over 250 kilometers to reach the holy town of Pandharpur , where the temple of Lord Vithoba (Vitthala) stands. This journey is not just a physical walk; it’s a deeply devotional yatra , rich with bhajans, abhangas (devotional poetry) , and seva (service to others). 🌟 Why is Pandharpur Wari Celebrated? The Wari is a symbol of devotion to Lord Vitthala , a form of Vishnu/Krishna, and is celebrated during Ashadhi Ekadashi (usually in June–July). It marks the annual pilgrimage to meet the Lord in Pandharpur, inspired by Saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram , who started this tradition as a movement of equality, devotion, and non-violence . 🕰️ When Did It Start? The Wari tradit...

 Pochampally Ikat is a testament to India's rich textile heritage, known for its mesmerizing geometric patterns and intricate dyeing techniques. Woven in the small town of Pochampally, Telangana, this traditional craft is revered for its unique design process, where patterns are dyed onto threads before weaving. With a history deeply rooted in handloom artistry, Pochampally Ikat holds a prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, preserving its authenticity and cultural value. The Origin and Legacy of Pochampally Ikat: Pochampally Ikat has been woven for centuries by skilled artisans who have passed down their techniques through generations. The craft is believed to have originated over a thousand years ago, blending influences from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Gujarat. Today, Pochampally is recognized as the 'Silk City of India' due to its exquisite silk and cotton Ikat fabrics. The Unique Ikat Weaving Technique: What makes Pochampally Ikat extraordinary is its resist-dye...

  Introduction: India's rich cultural heritage is a treasure trove of art, crafts, and traditions passed down through generations. However, in today's fast-paced digital world, it is crucial to reconnect the youth with these cultural roots. Through education and exposure, young people can play a significant role in preserving and promoting traditional crafts, art forms, and indigenous knowledge. Why Should Youth Engage with Cultural Heritage? Preserving Traditional Knowledge: Learning about traditional crafts ensures that skills like pottery, weaving, and painting are not lost. Empowerment & Employment: Many cultural industries offer self-employment opportunities and careers in handicrafts, textile design, and heritage tourism. Sustainability & Ethical Consumerism: Choosing handmade, GI-tagged products supports artisans and promotes eco-friendly alternatives. Identity & Belonging: Understanding cultural history strengthens identity and appreciation for one'...

 Welcome to Namma Choice – where culture meets craftsmanship, and tradition finds its true value in the modern world! Who We Are Namma Choice is more than just a brand; it is a movement dedicated to reviving India’s rich heritage of handmade crafts and empowering local artisans. Rooted in Karnataka, our initiative brings together the timeless artistry of traditional weaves, handmade crafts, and indigenous designs to a global audience. In a world increasingly dominated by mass production, we strive to preserve the skills of generations-old craftsmen and ensure that their talent receives the recognition and support it deserves. Why We Exist The art of handloom weaving and handmade crafts is fading due to industrialization, low wages, and a lack of exposure. At Namma Choice, we believe in celebrating and preserving these crafts by: ✔ Providing a Platform – Bringing handcrafted goods directly to consumers. ✔ Empowering Artisans – Ensuring fair wages and recognition for their artistr...