BANDHANI WITH AJRAKH DUPPATA | BORDER

Elevate your ethnic elegance with the Bandhani with Ajrakh Dupatta | Border from Saree Story by Shanmuga Priya & Azhagi—a harmonious fusion of two iconic Indian textile traditions. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, this dupatta blends the vibrant dotwork of Gujarati Bandhani with the earthy, geometric motifs of Sindhi Ajrakh, creating a wearable heirloom that celebrates India’s rich artisanal heritage.

• 🌸 Dual Heritage Design: Authentic Bandhani (tie-dye) meets traditional Ajrakh block printing on pure cotton.
• 🎨 Handcrafted Excellence: Each piece is hand-tied, dyed, and printed by master artisans using natural dyes.
• 🌿 Eco-Conscious Craft: Made with sustainable, plant-based dyes and chemical-free processes.
• 💫 Versatile Styling: Perfect with sarees, kurtas, or even as a statement stole for Indo-western ensembles.
• 📏 Generous Dimensions: Approx. 2.2m x 1.1m – ample length and width for graceful draping.
• 🇮🇳 Ethically Made in India: Supports rural artisans and preserves endangered textile arts.

2. A Legacy of Craftsmanship – Brief History

Bandhani, originating over 5,000 years ago in the deserts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, symbolizes joy, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings—often worn by brides and during festivals. Ajrakh, with roots in the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500 BCE), is a resist-dye block printing technique practiced by the Khatri community of Kutch and Sindh, known for its intricate geometric patterns and deep indigo hues derived from natural sources like indigo, madder, and pomegranate.

Saree Story by Shanmuga Priya & Azhagi revives these ancient crafts by collaborating directly with generational artisans, ensuring each dupatta tells a story of resilience, culture, and timeless beauty. This Bandhani-Ajrakh fusion is a tribute to India’s textile diversity—where every dot and motif carries centuries of meaning.

3. Why Choose This?

✅ Authentic & Ethical: No mass production—each dupatta is made in small batches with fair wages and eco-friendly practices.
✅ Cultural Preservation: Your purchase supports the survival of endangered crafts like Ajrakh and Bandhani.
✅ Unique & Non-Mass-Produced: Slight variations in pattern and color affirm its handmade origin—no two pieces are identical.
✅ Breathable & Skin-Friendly: 100% natural cotton fabric with plant-based dyes—ideal for sensitive skin and hot climates.
✅ Curated by Experts: Designed by Shanmuga Priya & Azhagi, pioneers in reviving South Indian and pan-Indian handloom narratives through modern storytelling.

4. Wash & Care Instructions

To preserve the vibrancy and integrity of your handcrafted dupatta:

• 🧼 Wash: Hand wash separately in cold water using mild shampoo or gentle liquid soap (avoid detergents).
• ☀️ Dry: Dry in shade—never expose directly to sunlight, as natural dyes may fade.
• 🔥 Iron: Use low to medium heat; iron on reverse side or with a cotton cloth over the print.
• 🚫 Avoid: Bleach, wringing, or machine washing. Store folded in a cool, dry place away from moisture.

FAQ

Q: What is a Bandhani with Ajrakh Dupatta?
A: It’s a handcrafted cotton dupatta that uniquely combines Gujarati Bandhani (tie-dye) with Sindhi Ajrakh (natural block printing), representing two of India’s oldest textile traditions in one wearable art piece.

Q: Is this dupatta made with natural dyes?
A: Yes! Both the Bandhani and Ajrakh elements use plant-based, non-toxic dyes like indigo, madder root, and turmeric—making it eco-friendly and gentle on skin.

Q: How should I care for my Bandhani-Ajrakh dupatta?
A: Hand wash in cold water with mild shampoo, dry in shade (never in direct sunlight), and avoid bleach or machine washing to maintain color and fabric quality.

Q: Why is this dupatta more expensive than regular printed scarves?
A: Each piece involves 15+ artisan-led steps—hand-tying, natural dyeing, and block printing—taking days to complete. You’re investing in heritage, sustainability, and fair wages for craftspeople.

Q: Can I wear this dupatta with modern outfits?
A: Absolutely! Drape it over a plain kurta, pair with jeans and a crop top, or use as a statement accessory for fusion wear—it adds instant cultural depth to any look.