Patola saris have adorned women of royalty for centuries, but today they are a dying art. Difficult to create in this form, Patola saris today are being made by new age looms and in some place even machines; Mr Salvi is rueful as he tells us this. There is some hope though as Mr. Salvi says that his nephew is being mentored to take over the family tradition, and so Patola will survive, in this family at least, for another generation.
Category: Culture
Theyyam, the Dance of the Gods.
All around is there is silence, even the coconut trees are waiting. The drummers begin, creating a tempo that increases quickly, whipping themselves and the air around into a frenzy. The ‘god’ then appears and begins his dance, moving around in circles, at once quickly and then slower, swinging his sword in slow deliberate movements.
Kathakali, Behind the Scenes.
Kathakali is a form of dance and story telling, practiced in southern and central Kerala which takes its roots from ancient social and religious theatrical forms dating back over 1500 years. The preparation for the dance is as elaborate as the dance itself, and getting the performer ready involves hours of intricate makeup, something we were…
You know you’re in Arunachal when …
Even after a gruelling 8 hour journey on ‘non’ roads you’re ever so slightly disappointed to have reached your destination because the drives are just so damn beautiful. Rats and Silkworms are a legitimate source of protein! Really. Everybody you see carries a sword. Everywhere! You can’t pass a street corner without seeing a bunch…