By Darcelle Lindor
Sixteen years have passed since a catastrophic earthquake struck the city of Bhuj in the Kutch region of Gujarat, India. It destroyed lives, livelihood, and villages. January 26th, 2001, was intended to be a time for celebration, in honour of the day India became a Republic. Nature, however, had other plans. Instead, itll be remembered as the day twenty-thousand people lost their lives and much more were left homeless.
On the backdrop of such turmoil and devastation, the Kutch region has made an astonishing recovery.
Entire villages had been reduced to rubble but had been majorly reconstructed within two years already. And the region continues to rebuild today. Navin Prasad, an activist with Sewa International, stated that Bhuj has taken people out of the Middle ages into the modern world. Bhuj has been born again and found its route to modernity.
Art as a core competence
Bhuj has always had a great reputation for alluring crafts and textile work. One village that saw significant devastation was Dhamadka. Populous with Ajrakh printers skilled in the tradition of hand block-printing, the community underwent the arduous task of rebuilding their homes. Having renamed it Ajrakhpur, today its a prominent shopping centre for Ajrakh prints in particular.
The Kutch region has a wide array of beautiful handicrafts and arts. | Photo Courtesy: MyWorld[su_pullquote]In the wake of the earthquake, the Hunnarshala Foundation too worked in support of the people.[/su_pullquote]
In the wake of the earthquake, the Hunnarshala Foundation too worked in support of the people. Their regular collaboration with local artisans helps get them back to their feet. Having furthered their assistance to the community, they provide architectural education to fledgeling talent through their carpentry and masonry training units. Kala Raksha Vidhyalaya, set up in 2005, is the regions inaugural school of design, geared towards putting tradition at the forefront. With a mission to strengthen the skills and knowledge of artisan workers, they are sure to create exquisite products in the coming years.
Multicultural at its best
The region of Kutch is a melting pot of religions and a variety of traditions. Their people are staunch believers of Mataji, and worshipers of Jakkhas as well as pirs. Kutch is the home of many diverse communities, such as the Jat, Mutwa, Sodha, and Muslim, and religious festivals are deep-rooted in their culture. Navratri is a ubiquitous Hindu festival, but Gujarat takes it one step further with a dance festival running nine nights, in honour of the female goddess, Shakti.
Kutch is very diverse culturally. | Photo Courtesy: Ahmedabad LifeAnother distinct day on the Kutch calendar is Bhujyas fair, celebrated on the day of Nag Panchami. Women pray for their loved ones and worship the twelve serpent Gods of the Hindu religion. These illustrations shed some light on the beautiful aspects of the Kutch people and their society, where tradition has been their champion through the hardest of times.
The Kutch renaissance
[su_pullquote align=”right”]Gujarat faced adversity like no other and is a symbol of rejuvenation today.[/su_pullquote]
Gujarat faced adversity like no other and is a symbol of rejuvenation today. While the Indian government stood by the state and help rebuilt it, it is the people of Kutch who have restored their homeland. It is now an iconic jewel in Indias crown, paving its way forward through creative art, crafts, and innovation. There is only one way for the state of Gujarat, with its strong-willed attitude and determination, and that is up.