Patchwork of Rajasthan - Tradition of India

India, the land of diverse cultures, of diverse customs and regions, of diverse languages and habits, and of diverse arts and crafts, yet united together by a single bond, its cultural richness, its art and craft, known to the world since ages. Patchwork, a relative of the rich handicraft and art of India.


Also known as piecing, patchwork involves joining together pieces of fabric into a larger design. Patches of various shapes and colors lead to the making of a larger design, usually based on repeat patterns. Patchwork, one of the primary construction techniques of quilting, is often combined with color. Basic geometric shapes are usually used in the making of most of the patch work items which need exact joining so that it lies without wrinkle.

Patch work in India is mainly associated with the western states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, though Punjab and Orissa also practices this craft. Various colored and patterned fabrics of different shapes and sizes are together on a plain background. An important feature characterizing Indian patchwork is that the stitches of the patches are not hidden but are done with jazzy shades which get highlighted, adding a more artistic appeal.


Making its way to India from Europe and Arabia, patchwork in an important craft in the country now, creating a unique art making dramatic use of color. Gujarati patchwork items are the most well known ones. Highly ornamented with motifs, the magical spell of patch work items lies in the outline of each individual. Glaring motifs of trees, birds and animals in bold colors can be seen in each patchwork item – shaped patches sewn unto cotton cloth.

From patchwork quilts and bed covers to patchwork wall hangings, runners and cushion covers, the range of patchwork items is a great one. When used in the making of a quilt, the large colorful composite patchwork becomes the top of a three layered quilt, the middle layer being the batting and

the bottom layer the backing. The patchwork quilts are tinged with warmth and color, an artistic appeal sprinkled all through. A patchwork quilt is a respite from the staid conventional ones.

Holi celebration in Rajasthan

The colourful state of Rajasthan plays Holi much the same way as Mathura. A night before the full moon, crowds of people gather together and light huge bonfires to burn the residual dried leaves and twigs of the winter. People throw coloured water and powders (gulal and kumkum) at each other and make merry. Singing, dancing and the traditional beats of dhol add to the gaiety of the occasion.

Holi is celebrated with pomp and ceremony and more so with a regal air befitting the royal history of Rajasthan. Elephants are bedecked to the hilt with ornate jewellery, jhools (saddles) and vibrant colours.  Female elephants are decorated with huge anklets that tinkle as they walk down the alleys of the city in a procession that also features bedecked camels and horses. The procession is accompanied by folk dancers that entertain onlookers with their traditional dances. Holi is celebrated in a unique way wherein people sitting on the elephants sprinkle gulaal on the bystanders. Elephant dances, elephant polo and tug-of-wars add an interesting twist to this already unique celebration of Holi. However, in recent times, The Elephant Festival has come in jeopardy due to animal-rights groups protesting against the same.

Folk Traditions in Rajasthan

Mali Holi :                                                           
The colourful festival of Holi is played in many different ways. The 'mali' or gardener community of Rajasthan has a unique style where the men colour the women with water and women retaliate by hitting them with sticks or long pieces of cloth
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Gair at Godaji:                                                    Men from 12 villages collect at Godaji village near Ajmer in Rajasthan to play gair a few days after holi. Each village brings his own drummer and gair troupes. The picturesque location for it is a valley surrounded by hills on all sides. Thousands of onlookers and close to hundred players make a wonderful sight and a fond memory.

Dolchi Holi at Bikaner:                                                                                                                          

In Bikaner district, members of 'Harsh' and 'Vyas' communities have been celebrating Holi by throwing water at one another with force for the past more than 300 years. A specially designed vessel called 'dolchi' made from camel skin is used for the purpose. But the water is thrown only at the back of an individual.

Tribal celebrations in Banswara                                                                                                 Banswara, a small town near Udaipur in Rajasthan, is a tribal stronghold and an erstwhile princely state. The Holi celebrations here are a unique display of the culture and traditions of the Bhil tribe. On this day the Bhils, dressed in all their festive finery, perform the beautiful Ghair traditional dance around a huge bonfire.