Kavita the Kutch cupid

Rann of Kutch has suddenly become prominent on the world map. Thanks to Amitabh Bachchan and Gujarat tourism. It’s a perfect example of a well thought advocacy campaign hitting soft spots in the brain. Kutch literally means something which intermittently becomes wet and dry. The same word is also used in the languages of Sanskrit origin for a tortoise. Our taxi driver was a native of Uttar Pradesh but considers Gujarat as his second home. Better infrastructure, basic amenities and quality of life (as compared to his home state) has made him a local brand ambassador.

It was time of Rannotsav …..a three month long festival to attract tourists. At Dhordo tent village, a huge space is created for the local craftsmen to display and sell their handicrafts. In the arid surrounding, this space was in riot of colours.  Mirror work, applique work, bead jewelry, hand embroidered artifacts, bandhani , mirror frames and mobile covers made out of camel skin…..it was a treat to look at.

Natives of this part are majorly Ahir, Jat, Agariya, Baloch tribes. Men are lean and thin with athletic body while women have chiseled features. In the barren land they can be easily spotted by their bright coloured clothes. Layers and layers of apparel save them from the dry heat. The natives are hardworking and simple people and have learnt to survive happily in limited resources.

In the handicraft market, I spotted a cheerful nymph displaying creative and colourful artifacts made with love and passion. Her stall had tit-bits like rug dolls, purses, mobile holders, door hangers, hair clips, ear rings. The conglomeration interested me but was not motivated enough to buy anything…. as the potential users of this stuff have moved out of my home and became busy with their more exciting campus life. I was watching extraordinary marketing skills of the 8 year old girl. In few minutes she had sold souvenirs to four tourists. Adorned in bright blue coloured dress, she was wearing all possible jewelry. Her rustic features and captive smile attracted many towards her small stall. She refused to tell her name or take a picture unless you buy something from her stall.

It’s interesting to see how human life adjusts and thrives upon in any circumstances. It was astonishing to see in the   dry, barren, arid western tip of the country there is life full of colour and vigor!!

After 100 rupees and a rug doll I could click a lively snap of this Kutch cupid- Kavita