As a first step towards promoting handloom and craft based textiles from the famous Kachchh region of Gujarat, the Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge), Santosh Kumar Gangwar inaugurated the `Kachchh Mahotsav`, in New Delhi today.The exhibition focuses on Kachchh crafts such as Soof, Mirror work, Rabari, Ahir, Patchwork and other embroidered products, Ajrak, Tie & Dye, Batik and Block Printed Textile products, Hand woven Embroidered Shawls, Wooden Lacquerware, Wood Carving, Copper Coated Iron Bell, Embroidered Leather Accessories, Mud/ Clay Work, Rogan Painting.
In an endeavour to promote Indian handicrafts and handlooms, the Union Government had announced setting up of a Handicraft mega cluster in Kachchh. The mega cluster will focus on handcrafted items and craft based textiles from the region. Kachchh is known for its distinctive traditional crafts, from embroidery to jewellery-making and carving. Using simple materials, the artisans create objects of great beauty. The Mahotsav includes Kachchi crafts range from Block printing on textiles, Bandhni of the Khatris, Patch work of Bhirandiyara, leather creations by Meghwal artisans, besides traditional wood and lacquer work and Rogan, the extremely fine lacquer work on cloth produced by the artisans of Chobari and Nirona villages, Ajrakh printing from Khavda village to the exquisite beadwork of Rabari women. The folk embroidery of Kachchh is an ongoing and dynamic tradition. Some of the villages and communities have specialised for generations in certain crafts and thereby create masterpieces that delight a connoisseur.