The tour was designed to visit embroidery specialists in their own homes and learn those techniques
We travelled to four different states - Delhi - Bihar - West Bengal and Gujarat and witnessed many great sights.
I cannot possible cover everything but these are a few reflections from the trip with the help of the letter C
It was everywhere. Even in the poorest of living conditions where people were living in shacks by the road ankle-deep in filthy water the women were wearing the most beautiful and brightly coloured saris
The fabrics, threads, clothing, embroideries and even the food was a riot of colour. It was joyful.
That so many of the artisans that we visited used natural dyes was an added bonus.
although the trip was focussed around textiles there were opportunities to visit museums and galleries
The Bihar museum was a highlight and the local people pleased that tourists were visiting their state which is one of the poorest in India.
The Victoria Monument in Kolkata was an oasis of serenity in the busy city
The Craft Museum in Delhi started us on our textile journey of exploration
I had been forewarned about the chaotic roads, the noise, the smell, the just sheer differentness of India. I loved it.
Six lanes of traffic on a two lane road. 5 people on a scooter plus a goat. A whole family of 12 squeezed into a tuktuk. Bicycles with huge loads. Camels, cows, dogs all over the road. And the constant tooting of horns to warn other drivers. We only saw one accident, but our drivers were excellent and the air-conditioned coaches were very comfortable.
As a sacred animal in India cows are protected and revered. There are cows everywhere.
The only place you did not find cow was on the plate. No beef. We ate mostly vegetarian food and it was universally excellent, in the hotels for breakfast and dinner and at local restaurants for lunch. Lunch and snacks were often provided by the workshop venue and that was the best of all.
Still one of the most important products in India exported all over the world. We saw it in the fields and being processed at a cotton gin.
Cotton fabrics, block printed, dyed, stitched, were seen everywhere. Some were purchased!
I would have liked to have seen and bought some silk but that is grown in Southern India. Oh dear, I will just have to go again!
The trip included workshops on many different embroidery techniques.
Phulkari from the Punjab
Sujani in Bihar
Kantha in Kolkata
Bandani in Bhuj
Mirror embroidery in Sumrasar
The tutors were experts and committed to sharing their skills with the world
The mirror embroidery workshop was my favourite day of the whole holiday. Sat outside under the trees in the family compound of Geeta Ben and her ladies. No-one spoke English, yet learning took place through the shared language of stitch. The women laughed and sang as they sewed and lunch was cooked for us over a burning branch. A special day.
COMPANIONSHIP
This was a small tour with only five guests. None of us knew each other before the holiday. But the delight in seeing some of India, visiting some really out of the way places, and learning embroidery skills was heightened by sharing it with other textile lovers.
New friends made.
Our guides and drivers were excellent. Every flight was on time. No baggage was lost. Everyone remained healthy throughout. The whole tour ran like clockwork, thank you Aahilya.
I am delighted to be returning to India with Aahilya in 2026. This time to to visit the Textile Treasures of Rajasthan. 2nd - 13th October.
For more information and to book please contact Aahilya Holidays www.aahilyaholidays.com/tour/f05c/textile-treasures-of-rajasthan-with-mary-mcintosh-2026
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