This is the last post in this three-part series. While writing about phulkari, I got to know about many things I was not aware of, the technicalities, the places involved, and most importantly, the long-forgotten traditions. I really feel enriched now!
In the earlier post, we talked about the the history and origin of Phulkari. Now we'll take a look at phulkari in the present scenario, which is more fun, vibrant, and effervescent.
As I said earlier, phulkari was never meant to be traded, and was only limited to Punjab and parts of Rajasthan, but now it has grown into a full-fledged business. What once was a laboring procedure, often taking months or even years to complete, is now a machine-driven process: the results, beautiful intricate designs made quickly, wider reach, affordability, experimenting with the fabric and threads.
Hand-made phulkari is very much alive and thriving, but for obvious reasons it is more expensive. These days we find high-end stores displaying the work or famous designers experimenting with the craft.
Take, for example, Manish Malhotra's collection "Threads of Emotion"at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week 2013. He showcased some really beautiful designs on fabrics like georgette, net and raw silk.
There's a Hindi saying about Indian culture that goes, Kos* kos pe badale pani, char kos pe vani, which means at every 3 km, the taste of water changes, and at every 12 km the language changes. With a rich heritage, deep rooted in traditions, Indian culture is considered one of the oldest in the world.
