index
Phulkari is a Punjabi noun made up of two words: Phul, which means flower, and Akari, which means shape. The shape and orientation of flowers, which represent life, are referred to as phulkari. Punjabis believed that having a girl child in the family was lucky. Her mother and grandmother began embroidering Punjabi Dupattas when she was born, believing she would create future generations. Originally, phulkari was done with real flowers because of their purity and fortitude. The morality and character of a woman shaped the Phulkari.

All About The Phulkari Dupatta!


Many theories have been proposed about the origins of Phulkari. According to one theory, this embroidery was popular throughout the country as early as the seventh century CE, but it only survived in Punjab. Motifs found in Bihar's Kashida and some Rajasthani embroidery are similar to those seen in Phulkari. Another theory holds that this needlework form originated in Iran, known as Gulkari, which also means floral work. On the other hand, the styles of Phulkari's work differ from those of Gulkari work.
Phulkari was primarily a result of domestic labor done by women. Although this embroidery was not commercially produced, it found a market outside the United States. Lockwood Kipling (father of Rudyard Kipling) wrote an article about the Punjab industry for the Journal of Indian Art. He puts it this way: "Amritsar has seen a significant increase in business since the 1881 Punjab Exhibition, with women of virtually all castes working in the surrounding villages. Industrial and mission schools have successfully produced Europeanized copies of Phulkari that are hideous. One could argue that the more remote the location, the better the work".

Phulkari Dupatta; Does It Look Real? Let us explore.


Phulkari Dupatta is a type of traditional Punjabi needlework embroidery that is done over the fabric. This artwork is crafted in various forms, such as sarees, salwar suits, Kurtis, stoles, and juttis.
A phulkari dupatta is ideal for the minimalist. It has bordered pattern embroidery and is suitable for wearing with a salwar, long skirt, lehenga, or blacktop, as well as long earrings and bangles. The Phulkari Dupatta style is frequently recommended for a casual or small event.
The distinction between Phulkari and Bagh cloth is that the foundation of the cloth is visible. On the other hand, the Bagh fabric is so densely stitched that the silk threads almost cover the entire ground, and the base is hidden. Bagh is intended for ceremonial purposes.

How Is the Original Phulkari Made?


Pat, an untwisted thread silk yarn, is used in phulkari work, often stitched on the opposite side of the material with darn-style stitching. The embroidery was originally done on khaddar, a coarse hand-woven textile. Women used odhani, or long sheets of cloth, to wrap around their heads and shoulders. Wearing an odhani has become part of the culture and tradition over time. The coarse khaddar linen used as a background for the lustrous embroidery work often mirrored the rough and colorful lives of Punjabi women. When the women wore polished phulkari, their personalities were graced, delicate, and elegant.

The Final Word on Phulkari Dupattas


Finally, traditional Phulkari is losing its original form. Commercialization has harmed the modern Phulkari's quality and longevity as a traditional Punjabi Phulkari. It is no longer done for personal or charitable reasons. It is currently done for business purposes, with Punjabi women benefiting. The joy of this folk art was transferred to the cloth through needlework while folk tunes were sung. A single person does not create a phulkari but results from a collaborative effort. Making phulkari today is more time-consuming and detailed than it once was. Traditional Phulkari, on the other hand, appeals to more people than modern Phulkari. The government has promoted the Punjabi Phulkari through specific training programs, fairs, exhibitions, and contests. The good news is that this rebirth employs many disadvantaged people, particularly women. Phulkari is now well-known not only in Punjab but also around the world.

Where Can You Find Phulkari Dupattas?


Dupatta handcrafted with intricate embroidery and gota work. These Punjabi Dupattas can be worn in a variety of ways! It is made of high-quality material. Embroidered with various thread colors to create an elegant look over a plain blue dupatta. AnarPot is an ethnic, traditional, and daily wear clothing brand known for its trendy styles at reasonable prices.

You may so like

Verified