Janardhan Rao Havanje, founder of Bhaasa Gallery and Studio, said that the foundation, in association with other forums, organised a series of workshops on indigenous folk art of India titled ‘Janapada’. In the 18th and 19th workshops of the series, artist Jagdish Chitara will teach the Gujarat Kalamkari and Mata ni Pachedi artforms of Gujarat, which are created on fabric, on Feb 28 and March 1, said Havanje.Jagdish Chitara is a contemporary artist from Ahmedabad, who specialises in Mata ni Pachedi, a 300-year-old ritualistic textile artform. The artist, who hails from the Chitara community, spent 47 years preserving and promoting the art form. He learnt the art from his ancestors and is engaged in sharing the knowledge among the younger generation in an effort to preserve it, said Havanje.Jagdish’s Mata ni Pachedi artworks were showcased at several national and international events. He bagged awards for his excellence in the art. He already conducted workshops in several educational institutions, sharing knowledge of the art with thousands of people, Havanje said.Kalamkari art, created using traditional methods on fabric, and Mata ni Pachedi textile art are invaluable traditional arts of Gujarat. This textile design art, a reflection of devotion and skill, narrates the region’s rich history. Mata ni Pachedi, which means ‘Behind the Mother Goddess’ in Gujarati, is a sacred art form where stories of goddesses are painted on textiles using natural colours, he added.
