Barmer Things to Do

Because cultivation of a crops is difficult, if not impossible, in most dry arid regions of Rajasthan, the desert dwellers have perfected the various forms of decoration- be it to cloth, wood or pottery. Block-printing is extremely popular in all its different forms, and is used extensivly in textiles and clothing. It is the main source of income for Barmer, along with wood-carving, carpet weaving and embroidery.

In the brown desert , bold colors are used, and designs range from simple geometric and floral to animal motifs. Red is the color of brides and is considered to be auspicious. Red is often combined with yellow which is the color of rebirth

Wood carvers create designs in the wooden blocks as they have done for centuries. During the block printing process,these carved wooden blocks are dipped into dye (usually vegetable) and pressed onto the cloth which has been stretched across a low table.
A waterproof resistant material (resin or wax) is applied, and isolates the pattern which is not needed to colour. The cloth is then dyed, and the pattern comes out in reverse.
Finally, the fabric is steamed, washed in water, dried in the sun and ironed.
Block-printing is especially attractive when used as Bed-covers, cushion covers, wall-hangings and lengths of cloth for sari.