Dastkari Haat Samiti
Dastkari Haat Samiti
Traditional Products and Newer Weaves
There are many traditional weaving techniques used to make Punhana charpais; over the years craftsmen have innovated on weave patterns as well as materials. In addition to the traditional weaving techniques like Paanch phool and Khuti, craftsmen have introduced the Binjaru weaving technique, which allows them to create designs from any inspiration. Due to high demand of vibrant and designer charpais, the craftsmen have also started creating charpais in natural resham rope or baan which is procured from Gujarat. First, Purai or vertical weaving is done and then Lehar or horizontal filling is done to create a design.
Charpai Making in Haryana: A charpai weaver (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Anguri (51), the only women weaver of Punhana charpai showcasing her creations. She learnt weaving traditional moonj charpais from her father during her childhood.
Whereas other women of the village make home decoration items, Anguri has a passion for weaving.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Master craftsmen at work (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Master craftsmen, Shamsher Khan(45) & Mahmood Khan(41), have been making charpais for
the last 22 years in Punhana. While Shamsher is an expert weaver, Mahmood has excellent
wood carving skills.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Weaving Technique (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Ornamental Punhana charpai woven using paanch phool bunai and do patti technique.
This type of bunai takes more time and effort and hence, the charpais are priced in the Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 9,000 bracket, slightly higher than the regular charpais (priced between Rs. 3000 to Rs. 6000 depending upon the size and the designs).
Charpai Making in Haryana: Village life- social (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A unique technique of weaving a charpai in two layers or do patti, adds extra strength and helps in controlling the sagging of the bed as it ages with use.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Village life- social (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The do patti technique of weaving is unique and takes more time and effort and hence, the charpais are priced in the Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 9,000 bracket, slightly higher than the regular charpais.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Weaving Technique (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
In Paanch phool bunai technique, craftsmen create simple floral designs in a set of five rhombus
shapes, inspired from motifs in mosques.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Weaving Technique (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
In Khuti bunai technique, craftsmen create a design by repeating a diagonal set of lines.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Weaving Technique (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
In paanch phool bunai technique, craftsmen create simple floral designs in a set of five rhombus shapes, inspired from motifs in mosques.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Weaving Technique (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Binjaru bunai technique allows the craftsman to create designs reflecting their unique inspirations. One can therefore find a mix of motifs used in this technique.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Weaving Technique (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A creative charpai, woven in Binjaru bunai technique, where the craftsman has woven his contact number in the form of a design.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Weaving Technique (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Binjaru bunai technique allows the craftsman to create designs reflecting their unique inspirations.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Weaving Technique (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A lotus forms a center motif in a Punhana charpai, woven in resham baan using Binjaru bunai technique.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Weaving Technique (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Punhana charpai woven in vibrant resham baan using Binjaru bunai technique.
New Designs
Charpais are made in different sizes for different uses, e.g. Women use Peedas (21 inch x 21inch) for sitting and doing household work; Khatola (38 inch x 27 inch) is for children to play and sleep; Dehla (7 ft x 4 ft), the largest sized charpai is used in the community hall by large groups of men, and Palang (6 ft x 3.5 ft) is used as an indoor bed. They are also presented by parents to their daughters on the occasion of marriage.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Peeda from Delhi (2018) by VinodDastkari Haat Samiti
A contemporary Peeda (21 inch x 21 inch) or a small decorative seat is made using silver coloured baan or rope for urban use.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Charpai from Delhi (2018) by VinodDastkari Haat Samiti
A contemporary charpai woven in silver coloured baan or rope to suit the current interior decor
trends of urban markets.
Charpai Making in Haryana: Christmas Tree (2018) by Vinod and groupDastkari Haat Samiti
When innovation meets opportunity. A designer installation of a christmas tree done in charpai weave displayed at a hotel’s lobby.
Charpai Making in Haryana: A woman charpai weaver (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Read more about charpai here:
-Community and Environment
-Process
Text: Anupriya
Photography: Chirodeep Chaudhuri and Jaya Jaitly
Artisans:Shamsher Singh
Ground Facilitator: Anupriya
Documentary Video: Chirodeep Chaudhuri
Curation: Ruchira Verma
