Sindhi Ajrak Overview
Pakistan is lucky to have such distinctive cultures. Our country is a beautiful amalgamation of cultural blending. From Baltis in the North to Sindhis in the South, the diversity is awe-inspiring. Having said that, it is amazing how every culture has its distinctive traditions and ways of living. These range from food to customs to clothing.
A brief overview
Ajrak is a famous block printed shawl in crimson and indigo worn by the Sindhi people. Ajrak is derived from the Arabic word ‘azrak,’ which means ‘blue.’ Sindhi ajrak is an important part of the Sindhi culture that is worn by men as turbans or wrapped around arms as the Sindhi ajrak shawl. The women, however, adorn Sindhi ajrak chadar over their heads.
Sindhi ajrak and topi are also worn by men. Furthermore, some people make Sindhi ajrak waistcoats out of the shawls.
AJRAK KEEPING TRADITION ALIVE
These days, Ajrak is more liked by all the people in Pakistan, Men wear scarves, Women wear Ajrak shawls, and use products made of Ajrak.
People like to wear Ajrak shawls, Ajrak scarves, and Ajrak Dupattas. The scarves are mostly worn by men; around their necks, it can be worn over anything, including Shalwar kameez, Pants, and Shirts, Sheirwaanis, Etc. Moving from Sindh, this tradition of wearing Ajrak has reached India; Ajraks are worn by many Punjabis and Gujaratis.
Ajrak Shawls are worn by many Women on their dresses; Even men like to wear the Ajrak shawls. Ajrak Dupattas are worn by women contrasting with their dress colors.
International interest
In the recent past, it was seen that many international shifted their interest towards the Sindhi specialty as various pieces of clothing made out of ajrak were showcased by models in ramp walks. The international response that ajrak got was, in fact, fascinating.
How is it made
Ajrak is a 2.5’3 meter cloth with geometrical prints mainly in indigo and crimson red; however, white and black colors might also be used to add texture and give a fine look to the shawl.
The point of interest here is that the dyes used in ajrak are 1005 organic as they are made from vegetables and minerals. The geometrical patterns are made with a special type of printing called resist printing that is done exclusively by hand with the help of hand-sculpted wooden blocks.
The Intense Colors
Ajrak is made from a fine cotton fabric, which is block printed. The colors used in the Ajrak are intense and very specific, Mostly the Rich crimson and deep indigo with white and black colors are used to define the geometrical symmetry in the design.
AJRAK THE PRIDE OF SINDH
In Sindh, Ajrak is a lot more than just a fabric; they have a huge amount of love and respect for Ajraks in their hearts. Sindhi people present this as a gesture of welcoming their guests with love. They use Ajraks in many of their crafts, on their bags, Bedsheets, etc., the backside of the quilt (Ralli) design is made with recycled Ajrak. Some of the ajraks are even Embroidered, and some of them are hand-painted as well, wall hangings, wallets, bags, even the carpets are made from this.
In Sindh, it is very common to see, all the men, women, and children wearing ajraks, it does not concern with any class or status, it is worn by any rich or poor. The only difference includes the quality of its base cloth.
PRODUCTS MADE BY AJRAK
If you look through this, many products except all the Shawls, scarves, and Dupattas, such as handmade accessories, Carpets, Bedsheets, Conference bags, Table cloth, Table runners, mini wallets, even Shirts for some Women are made of ajrak. In Sindh, some men of them wear Ajrak printed caps on their heads, to show their tradition.
Ajrak and Printing
Ajrak, before completely made passes through twenty-one big stages, and then it is ready to use. One of those stages is Block printing; the entire process of this includes vegetable and mineral dyes. It is printed on both sides of the fabric by a resist printing method and then is pressed against hand-carved wooden blocks with designs on them when you apply paint and press it against the fabric the Ajrak design is printed on the fabric.
A symbolism of honor
Globally ajrak may have translated into a piece of fashion, but for the people of Sindh, it is a matter of their honor. Ajrak lies as deep as its core values. Sindhis take great pride in wearing Ajraks.
PROS AND CONS
PROS
- It is made of pure cotton, which is comfortable and easy to wear
- Ajraks are liked not only by Pakistanis but also by a wide range of Indians like to wear Ajrak.
- It can be worn by both men and women.
- Ajrak can be made by yourself because it is a handicraft that involves Block printing.
- Its colors are enhancing and very intense, which highlights it when worn over a dress.
- It can be worn on Traditional parties, weddings and much more.
- Ajrak is affordable by a wide range of people and is not very costly.
CONS
- Cotton is a very thin fabric, which can be torn when stretched.
- It only comes with two or three specific colors.
Conclusion
Hence, Ajrak is a quality product used by most Pakistanis, and even in India. This Ajrak tradition is increasing day by day, being an impactful and beautiful craft, Ajrak is loved by many people.