Nawalgarh

• Initiation to traditional Arts & Crafts in Rajasthan in India, with Ecolodge homestay •

Initiation to traditional Arts & Crafts in Rajasthan in India, with Ecolodge homestay

Sustainable Tourism in Nawalgarh

Learn from local artists

Help save traditional crafts

Discover daily life and traditions of rural India through an arts & crafts workshop with local artists.

Nawalgarh

Dates

All year round

Duration

7 days / 6 nights

Tariff

440,00 €

Book now

Detailed programme

Within the Apani Dhani ecolodge, artists and artisans from the local community will come and offer you an initiation to "Tie & Dye" and traditional «bangles» making.

These workshops are organized to bring revenues to the local community. Apani Dhani does not take any commercial margin on these activities.
Artisans do not always speak English, therefore, information is passed by observation and gestures.

« Tie & Dye » or Bandhej is a technique from Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The colour choices and combinations differ from region to region but are traditionally vibrant: yellow, black, red and green are the most predominant.
In this process, each section is carefully dipped in colour while the remaining fabric is covered tightly with thread or string. This could be tied again to bring yet another contrast in colour.
Usually the women are assigned to the fine craft of tying while the men prepare the dye.
In the Shekhawati region this art is on the verge of disappearing.
Cheap machine made imitation of Tie and Dye are available on the market making the traditional products impossible to sell. Most of the male members of Rangrez families, artisans in charge of Tie & Dye, have found jobs in Middle East countries.
Therefore, by participating in this workshop, you are also supporting a revival of artisan craft.

« Bangles » making workshops: 2 workshops (on Thursday and Friday mornings) to make traditional bangles.
Indian women, rich or poor, always wear jewels: rings, necklaces, ankle bangles, earings, etc. Married women wear traditional bangles on both wrists.
During this workshop, you will learn how to make bangles using resin. You will choose your colours and will be able to keep your creations for yourself or bring them home as gifts.

Dates

Available all year round but preferable from October to February.

Location

The ecolodge Apani Dhani is located in Nawalgarth, in the region of Shekhawati, 275 km from Delhi.

Duration

Workshops take place every morning, from Monday to Friday.

Accommodation

The Ecolodge is composed of 8 bungalows, meticulously constructed in the traditional way.
Photovoltaic solar panels produce electricity and hot water.
All the rooms are beautifully decorated with regional handicrafts and feature full bathroom facilities.
You will get half-board accommodation (breakfast and diner). Meals are vegetarian and organic as food is coming from the family garden.

Tariff

440,00 €

This price includes:
- 15 hour course
- All materials
- Half board accommodation in a superior single room.
- A musical night *
- Membership fees

* Please note that the music night is organized for your attention but any visitors around will of course be welcomed to listen to the music!

Good to know

* It is possible to combine arts and crafts workshops with cooking lessons (Organic and vegetarian cooking) given in the afternoon (Please have a look at the cooking course in India workshop).
In this case, you will be asked for a supplement of 80 €.

* You can also discover the region taking part to excursions and cultural visits organised by your host (with supplement).

* The Ecolodge is deeply involved in sustainable tourism and is a member of The International Ecotourism Society and of Eco Club.

* Do not forget to plan more days in order to visit Jaipur, Agra, etc.