See you again soon, Kutch
Sunday morning October 30th it was time to bid goodbye to friends already. We checked out of the hotel and got into Juned’s car for the drive to the airport. He said we have time to stop by Bhujodi village on our way. Now that would be nice except my dear friend Pachanbhai was out of the country until November 1st. He had asked me to stop by to meet his family nevertheless. Juned called one of his acquaintances for Pachanbhai’s address. A surprise was waiting. Pachanbhai had preponed his return from Mexico and arrived the day before! We were destined to meet after all !
So we turned into Bhujodi village and were greeted by Purushottum bhai, Pachanbhai’s elder brother. He walked us through a small lane from where had parked and took us to their home. The home was constructed around a central courtyard. The entire family, men, women, children came out to greet us. One of the women was seated under a shade doing hand spinning of yarn. We sat under a covered patio across from her facing the courtyard. Since we were short on time due to our scheduled flight Pachanbhai immediately showed me his creations. I picked a couple of his beautiful sarees and stoles before taking leave of his beautiful family. This family showed the same heartwarming brotherhood towards Juned who had accompanied us.
I was introduced to Pachanbhai’s work almost by accident. I was scrolling down Instagram one day and a truly stunning Bhujodi caught my eye. I saw the label Bhujodi Three Theads and reached out to him. After several months I got a response from him. His problem is language. He can’t respond in English and that discourages him from correspondence. After a while he just picks up the phone and makes a video call and whatever questions I have he answers in Hindi. I realized his talent right from the start. The intricacies in his weaving are just class apart. But what is even more special is the thought that goes into it. He is a visionary and is very environmentally conscious. His sarees and especially stoles are expressions of these qualities. One of the stoles I had got earlier from him has a woven story about effects of pollution on the environment. When I met him in person I could see how this giant storehouse of talent is disguised in a cloak of genuine humility that is curiously combined with ambition. The ambition to leave a mark, to make a difference while staying grounded. I realize what an honor it is to have made a personal connection with him and have a piece of his art in my possession.
Once we took leave of Pachanbhai and his family we chatted non stop with Juned till the airport departure gate. Almost wished the drive would continue longer or we could take Juned along with us. The same heaviness of heart one feels when bidding goodbye to family was experienced. Soon Juned was on his way home and we completing airport departure formalities.
This short yet enriching visit to Kutchh concluded in a unique Bhujodi weave in earthy tones highlighted subtly with some green, blue and burgundy. The saree is made out of fine tussar that has a super soft feel. The weaver has used ikat bands at some places making it really special.
My precious photographer was recruited after a long time to elicit his prowess with a back shot, this time against the backdrop of the runway at Kandla airport. The airport employee whose permission we took before this photo couldn’t resist complementing me saying “ M’am, really appreciate you taking this shot here”. Needless to say we had deliberately stayed back behind all passengers and were the last ones to board the plane.
We had experienced a tiny fraction of Kutchh in these 2 days. Yet this small drop was concentrated enough to give us a taste of its essence. Extraordinary talent combined with a generous dose of genuine hospitality and rare brotherhood are the hallmarks of these people. In my lifetime I hope to see them get their due recognition and success on the global platform.
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