The full moon in December always reminds me of my epic journey into the heart of Gujarat for the Rann Utsav or Rann Festival organized each year by the Gujarat Tourism. When the Great White Rann of Kutch dries up to reveal white salt crystals that gleam like diamonds on a full moon night. Read my experience of the Rann Festival in detail here.
Kutch is a dry, arid, west most region of Gujarat and here, the villages of Sharm- e - Sarhad, Ludiya and Hodka, are alive with colors from their intricately embroidered patchwork quilts, beaded neckpeices, and mirrored mudwall paintings called the 'Lippan' work.
'Bhunga' Houses here are round, white and are living museums of mesmerizing paintings. The women folk are masters in depicting their dreams from a mixture of clay and cow dung which is kneaded and worked on the mud wall using two fingers and a thumb. These paintings are decorated with mirrors in all sorts of shapes, often embroidered. Designs of peacock, parrot, trees and animals are the common theme. The colourful womenfolk in these villages against the backdrop of beautiful white 'bhunga' mud houses speaks volumes of their culture and the need to conserve their artisanship.
A round Bhunga mud hut
Shelves that store the wares - neatly displayed
The contrast of colors against white!
Lippan work - Inside a Bhunga mud house
One of the most beautiful designs
Thanks so much for posting this picture. I did a mural based on one of these designs.
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