What is the meaning of Ajrak in Sindhi?

Ajrak (Sindhi: اجرڪ), also known as Ajrakh, is a unique form of blockprinting found mostly in Sindh, Pakistan and Ajrakhpur, Kutch district, India. These shawls display special designs and patterns made using block printing by stamps. Over the years, ajraks have become a symbol of the Sindhi culture and traditions.

What is Ajrak used for?

Etymology of the Word “Ajrak”: People from Sindh also present this beautiful craft as gesture of hospitality to their guests. Ajrak is proudly used from cradle to grave and one who wrapped and buried in Ajrak is considered honored and his/her coffin perceived as a mark of respect.

What is the history of Ajrak?

An ancient craft, the history of the Ajrak can be traced back to the civilizations of the Indus Valley that existed around 2500 BC-1500 BC. The term “Ajrak”, may be derived from “Azrak”, meaning blue in Arabic, as blue happens to be the one of the principal colours in Ajrak printing.

What is Sindhi culture famous for?

Sindhi cultural day is celebrated worldwide on the first Sunday of December. On the occasion people wearing Ajrak and Sindhi Topi, traditional block printed shawl the musical programs and rallies are held in many cities to mark the day with zeal.

How many colours are there in Sindhi Ajrak?

Common colors used while making these patterns may include but are not limited to blue, red, black, yellow and green. Over the years, Ajraks have become a symbol of the Sindhi culture and traditions. The process of Ajrak block printing takes time, team work and special skills.

Why is Ajrak soil called Sindh?

Historically, Sindh has been trade-oriented and receptive to external influences. Over a period of time, the craftsmen developed printing techniques from simple resist patterning on one side, to the rich tonal, two-sided resist-printed cloth, the ‘ajrak’ .

What is the traditional dress of Sindhi?

Sindhi women wear the Ghagra Choli or the sari and the men wear the shalwar kameez or the kurta with pyjamma. However, before the adoption of the Shalwar kameez, the sari and the kurta, Sindhi’s had their own traditional costumes.

What is the main festival of Sindh?

The most important festival for Hindu Sindhis is the birthday of Lord Jhoolelal and Cheti Chand.

How many types of Ajrak are there?

There are 22 processes in Ajrak printing and is very tedious and time consuming. Very few printers go through all the stages. There are variations on the basic theme (teli ajrak) that make for different types of ajrak (including sabuni ajrak, do rangi ajrak and kori ajrak).

Why Ajrak is traditional cloth in Sindh?

Historically, Sindh has been trade-oriented and receptive to external influences. Over a period of time, the craftsmen developed printing techniques from simple resist patterning on one side, to the rich tonal, two-sided resist-printed cloth, the’ ajrak’ .

What is another name of Sindhi cap?

The Sindhi cap, also known as the Sindhī ṭopī, is a skullcap worn predominantly by Sindhis and Baloch people in Balochistan and Sindh in Pakistan. Together with Ajrak or Saraiki Ajrak, the Sindhi cap is regarded as an essential part of Sindhi and Saraiki culture.

What is the famous dress of Sindh?