Mata Ni Pachedi (Textile Painting) with Chandrakant & Niral
Discover the sacred art of Mata ni Pachedi, a 700-year-old textile tradition, with National Award-winning artist Chandrakant and his daughter Niral. As part of one of the last families preserving this ancient craft, they'll guide you in preparing natural dyes, painting intricate motifs with bamboo sticks, and connecting with a practice steeped in devotion. Outside the studio, get inspired by this UNESCO-recognized city's artistic heritage and vibrant traditions.
- Lunch, Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $930
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $360
Accommodation
- One Guest
- USD $535
- Additional guest(s)
- USD $400
Meet the Artist
Chandrakant and his daughter Niral are renowned master artisans of Mata ni Pachedi, a centuries-old sacred textile painting tradition from Gujarat, India. For over 700 years, their family has preserved this heritage craft, depicting intricate, hand-painted narratives of the Mother Goddess and mythological tales on fabric. As some of the last remaining practitioners, they are dedicated to keeping its traditional methods alive while introducing it to modern audiences.
Chandrakant, a National Award-winning artist, is celebrated for his expertise in creating natural dyes using age-old recipes and combining block printing with freehand painting techniques. He revolutionized the craft by becoming the first artisan to produce textiles exclusively by painting with bamboo sticks, earning him multiple honors from the Indian government. A passionate educator, Chandrakant has led hundreds of workshops both within India and globally, including one at Buckingham Palace. Niral, the first female master of Mata ni Pachedi in her family, adds a contemporary sensibility to the tradition. She creatively explores natural colors and has developed her own artistic style that both honors her heritage and broadens its appeal.
Together, their artistry serves as a cultural bridge between the past and present, inspiring younger generations and preserving the rich heritage of Indian folk art. They warmly welcome you to their home to experience the beauty and history of this extraordinary craft firsthand.
Chandrakant, a National Award-winning artist, is celebrated for his expertise in creating natural dyes using age-old recipes and combining block printing with freehand painting techniques. He revolutionized the craft by becoming the first artisan to produce textiles exclusively by painting with bamboo sticks, earning him multiple honors from the Indian government. A passionate educator, Chandrakant has led hundreds of workshops both within India and globally, including one at Buckingham Palace. Niral, the first female master of Mata ni Pachedi in her family, adds a contemporary sensibility to the tradition. She creatively explores natural colors and has developed her own artistic style that both honors her heritage and broadens its appeal.
Together, their artistry serves as a cultural bridge between the past and present, inspiring younger generations and preserving the rich heritage of Indian folk art. They warmly welcome you to their home to experience the beauty and history of this extraordinary craft firsthand.
VAWAA Includes:
- Discover the sacred textile art of Mata ni Pachedi and create your own artworks using time-honored methods.
- Introduction to Mata ni Pachedi’s origins, the artist community preserving it, and its role in Gujarat’s cultural heritage today.
- Prepare fabric for coloring by removing starch and treating it with natural mordants.
- Learn to craft the primary Mata ni Pachedi black dye using ancient recipes and natural materials.
- Explore the hallmark technique of using a bamboo stick (kalam) to draw intricate motifs directly onto fabric.
- Immerse yourself in tradition by washing your fabric in the Sabarmati River, removing excess dye and enhancing color vibrancy.
- Visit the Calico Museum of Textiles for inspiration from centuries of exquisite craftsmanship.
Stay at Chandrakant & Niral's
Stay just a short 5-minute walk from Niral and Chandrakant’s studio in the home of their friend. The friend resides on the ground floor, while you’ll enjoy a private room on the first or second floor. This peaceful accommodation features a double bed in each room, a private bathroom, a television, and access to a shared kitchen. Please note that there is currently no Wi-Fi in the house, but you can use a mobile hotspot. The rooms are accessible only by stairs, making the space unsuitable for wheelchair users.
Explore Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad, the textile hub of India, sits in the heart of Gujarat, surrounded by picturesque lakes and temples. This city, steeped in 900 years of history, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its ancient walled center filled with intricately carved stepwells, stunning mosques, and bustling bazaars. The legacy of craftsmanship here is intertwined with the lives of its artisans. The craft villages surrounding the city are known for their block-carving traditions, Ajrakh printing, Bandhani (tie-dye), intricate woodwork, and pottery. Ahmedabad’s premier design institutions, including the National Institute of Design (NID) and CEPT University, add a modern dimension to its craft legacy.
The Calico Museum of Textiles is a must-visit for textile lovers, showcasing five centuries of India’s rich textile legacy. Beyond its cultural treasures, the city’s cuisine is not to be missed: dhokla and Gujarati thali are particular local favorites. Whether you’re an art lover, an architecture buff, or a foodie, Ahmedabad offers an exciting mix of heritage, innovation, and warmth.
The Calico Museum of Textiles is a must-visit for textile lovers, showcasing five centuries of India’s rich textile legacy. Beyond its cultural treasures, the city’s cuisine is not to be missed: dhokla and Gujarati thali are particular local favorites. Whether you’re an art lover, an architecture buff, or a foodie, Ahmedabad offers an exciting mix of heritage, innovation, and warmth.
Additional Details
The best time to visit Ahmedabad is in early autumn, during the Navratri festival. It’s best to avoid the monsoon season, from July-September.
For a more immersive experience, this VAWAA can be extended for up to 30 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
This session can be adapted for children accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with special needs. The studio is accessible by stairs, and is not wheelchair accessible.
Niral and Chandrakant speak Hindi, Gujarati, and English.
For a more immersive experience, this VAWAA can be extended for up to 30 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
This session can be adapted for children accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with special needs. The studio is accessible by stairs, and is not wheelchair accessible.
Niral and Chandrakant speak Hindi, Gujarati, and English.