Women flock to dyers for colourful dupattas

Traditional skill competes with branded dresses during Eid shopping

SARGODHA:

Many women bought white dupattas and had them dyed in different colours from the city markets ahead of the Eid.

For local women, colorful traditional dupattas are an essential part of their Eid outfits.

The process of dyeing dupattas is a craft that has been passed down for generations in many families.

The dyers' market at Gol Chowk and Sarafa Bazaar were a hub of activity during the weeks leading up to the Eid.

Women flocked to the stalls to have their dupattas dyed according to their preference. Some wanted contrasting colours, while others preferred multi-coloured or tie-and-dye patterns.

The dyers use their expertise to mix powdered colours in boiling water and skillfully dyed the cloth in the desired shades.

According to Muhammad Khan, a dyer who has been in the profession for the past 12 years, buying branded suits is more common nowadays, and there is no rush in the market normally. However, during Eid preparations, the number of customers increases enormously.

For Farhana, a citizen who shopped in the market, Eid shopping would be incomplete without a beautifully dyed dupatta. She said that she wanted to look the most beautiful on Eid and her suit to be unique. Her daughter Ayesha agreed, saying she had bought shirts and trousers for the Eid, but the dupatta completed the look.

The process of drying dyed dupattas is also unique. Instead of hanging them on a line, two people hold the dupatta from both sides and swing it in the air to dry it. The process provides an interesting view to passing women and men alike.

On the Eid day, women dressed up in their new clothes, including the dupattas, and attended parties.

However, a shopkeeper said that sometimes the colours did not match the desire of the customers, leading to argument.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2023.