Monthly Archives: June 2021

A saree can convert a lady into an artist’s muse, is rightly said by several eminent designers. This six yard of sheer elegance has its origin in the Indus Valley Civilisation, which came into being in North-West India during 2800–1800 BC. Indian women have been illustrating a huge variety of saree draping styles, starting from Nivi style of Deccan to Atpoure style of Bengal. Considered as a cultural icon, the saree is worn with a fitted bodice and a petticoat, which is generally fabricated from a soft and breathable material, like cotton. 

Papier-Mâché is a French word whose literal meaning is chewed/pulped or mashed paper. It is an art technique that uses pieces of paper or pulp bound with adhesives like glue, starch, or wallpaper paste for making various items, of common use, or for decoration.

When it comes to the richness of art and culture, West Bengal stands out to be one of the most unique and diverse states. The various foreign reigns have highly influenced the art and architecture of the state. However, Bengal prides itself on the imprint which it carries beyond the foreign influences, ancient and modern. 

Found in the wetlands across the world, water reeds, scientifically known as Phragmites Australis, are broad-leafed grass with a length of about 1.5 to 5 metres. They have smooth stems and clusters of feathery flowers at the top of them. Originally used as thatching materials in the UK, India, and other parts of the world, water reeds are now used to produce several essential items. 

Water reeds are grown along the margins of lakes, streams, and marshy areas from the Arctic to the tropics. In Egypt, these stems are dried to use as fishing poles. Here, fences and cattle pens are also created out from the reeds. In the Philippines, the reeds are used to make household brooms, which they call ‘walis tambo’. In the Netherlands, Ger