It’s that time of year again – when an overdose of green, red and gold assault us, snow clad santa figurines, and snow flakes, and snow capped houses and trees are offered to us.
How absurd!
In the sweltering heat of the sub continent, why are we ‘buying’ into the Western celebrations of Christmas? In Mediterranean Bethlehem, it does get very cold, but rarely ever snows. How absurd to sit in humid Mumbai and wear Santa caps and zoom around on bikes! How absurd to decorate our homes with faux snowflakes! It does get a tad bit cold in our homes, but I am wondering how we are mass ‘brainwashed/ into the Winter Holiday bandwagon?
How did we get to this?
Growing up, Christmases at home were all about the tree (a symbol of ever green life that we can all relate to!) and the crib (the very depiction of the reason for the season. I presume that most of India celebrated Christmas similarly, with a star outside their home, again a symbol of the first Christmas. I remember the first ‘foreign influence’ at our home – a huge packet of Korean Christmas decorations – exquisitely finished, gifted by my mum’s friend. They were so different – birds and bows, and things I had never seen before on a Christmas tree! And luckily, there were no snow -covered ornaments or Santa hats! Somewhere between then and now, Indians have started decorating their homes like it actually snows in our humid land. And the strangest thing is that, no one seems to think that’s weird!
How about a bit of Indianness infused into our festivities?
This has been on my mind for many years, and I was thought that it would be lovely to share some Indian Christmas pieces that will make us proud, and move away from the senseless over consumerism assaulting us! I told myself, that we should include Indian colors in our Christmases – use flora and fauna local to our land to depict this beautiful winter season, have an Indian nativity set, stay away from reindeer (I am guilty of bringing the reindeer into many of my own Christmas decor pieces too, so I am in this with you all). I thought we should include our own tree collars, harnessing the metal industry of Moradabad, and have our own little symbols like bicycles and tractors and autos. So I went ahead and brought out some of these pieces.
Etikoppaka Christmas Nativity set
I have always wanted to design an Indian Nativity set. And after several trials with Channapatna artisans failed, I decided to wait it out.
I then met Tvami, a pro-artisanal crafts business, and we partnered to put my design into a product! A 400- year old Indian art form from Andhra Pradesh, Etikoppaka turned my head, just as I had decided that Channapatna was not working out for me; mainly because the artisans were now promoting pine wood for their craft! . Etikoppaka has been around much longer. It is more original, still uses natural pigments and the local wood (sustainably grown and procured) and is completely handmade! Each piece takes days to make. I was lucky that I had Tvami as my production partner. They handled everything – from putting my paper design into an actual physical product, and they also liaised with the artisan on my behalf. Each set takes days to make.
The set is available to the overseas audience too through the Tvami website. And for Indian customers, this is the link.
Moradabad metal tree collar with brass studs
Celebrating the craftsmanship of our Moradabad artisans, this beautiful tree collar gives a true Indian touch as it lends our traditional brass and metal touch to your tree.
Re-imagined Vintage Kettle
An old brass chai katli filled with Poinsettia or Christmas greens are all you need to transform a desi kettle into a festive decor piece.
Kilim rug
A Kilim rug is a hug! The blocks of colours warm the heart, and give your home the perfect winter ambience.
Ethnic stoles repurposed as throws!
We have just started exploring the original gamcha weaves of West Bengal and oh my! they are a delight! Each piece takes 2 days to make, and the bigger dupattas take more time! Adding a simple gamcha throw to your room will instantly bring in the festive vibes!
Two gamcha shawls are draped on the planters chair in my studio. They are made by designer Supriyo Sahoo who works with weavers and who is on a mission to revive original gamcha weaving in traditional looms.
Indian vehicles
A good old red tractor or a red cycle are vehicles we can all relate to!
And.. the list goes on. With a bit of imagination, it is not at all difficult to enjoy a sweet and meaningful Christmas filled with Indian elements! Have a blessed season!
