Bandhani is a type of tie-dye practiced mainly in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, India. The term bandhani is derived from the Sanskrit word banda ("to tie").[1]
Bandhani is also known as Bandhej or Tie Dye or Bandhni or Bandana, etc. as per the regional pronunciation.
Bandhani work involves tying and dyeing of pieces of cotton or silk cloth, The main colours used in Bandhani are yellow, red, green and black. Bandhani work, after the processing is over, results into a variety of symbols including, dots, squares, waves and strips. Bandhani pieces can be dyed by natural and artificial colors.
The main colours used in Bandhani are natural. In fact all colours in bandhani are dark, no light color is used, and the background is mostly in black / red cloth.
The Bandhani work has been exclusively carried out by the Khatri community of Kutchh. A meter length of cloth can have millions of tiny knots known as "Bheendi" in the local language ("Kutchhi"). Four bheendis are known as a "Kadi". These knots form a design once opened after dyeing in bright colors. Traditionally, the final products can be classified into "Khombi", "Ghar Chola", "Patori", "Chandrokhani" etc.
Bhuj and Mandvi of Kutch District of Gujarat State in India are well known for the finest quality of bandhani.
Saurashtra region of Gujarat state in India are also known for the Bandhani work but the taste of bandhani is different from other district.
Bandhani work is also done in Rajasthan state but having different types of colors and designs than the Kutch and Saurashtra of Gujarat.
There are thousands of families are relying on this handicraft work in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
This bandhani work is very attractive and used in many of the other garment accessories as well.