Weaving- Shamji Vankar

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Bhediya – The Cloth That Binds

- Shyamji Vankar

Bhediya – The Cloth That Binds

- Shyamji Vankar

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Inspired by the original Bhediya, I created a new one using naturally dyed cotton and local wool. While the traditional piece is plain and quickly made, we invested more time in order to illustrate this continuing relationship.

Reading from the bottom of the work where I have depicted the rising sun in the shrub forests, the story leads us through the day and into the night.

The Maldharis spend their days out grazing, but on the day of shearing, they all return with their sheep and goats. Footprints show this movement. Then we see the shearing that was always carried out in the Rabari area. Moving further up the piece we come to the weavers’ area where the Rabaris hand over the wool. Then we move to the warping before we come to the loom where the Bhediya is finally made.

The temple where the Rabari offer this Bhediya to their Goddess is towards the top of the work and the end of the day. The day-long ritual includes Upvaas, fasting, and only after the Bhediya cloth is offered to the Goddess in the evening, can the Maldhari eat. The ritual ends with sacred songs and bhajans that are shared between both communities. Such sharing highlights a relationship that is not based purely on material exchange. It highlights a much deeper relationship that is based on long-term social and religious bonding.”