India’s textile heritage celebrated during dabu printing workshop

In a celebration of India’s textile heritage, NIF Global, Ludhiana, recently hosted a hands-on dabu block printing workshop that transported students into the heart of a centuries-old craft. Led by master artisans from Shri Hast Kala, Jaipur, the event offered the attendees a rare opportunity to engage with the traditional mud-resist technique that has adorned fabrics since the 16th century.

Dabu printing, native to Rajasthan’s Bagru and Akola regions, involves applying a paste made of clay, wheat flour and gum to fabric, which resists dye and reveals intricate motifs once washed. During the workshop the artists explained not just the technique, but the philosophy behind it—sustainability, patience and storytelling through design.

“It felt like a touching history,” said a fashion design student. “We’re so used to digital prints and fast fashion. This was slow, deliberate and soulful. Each block told a story,” added the student.

The artisans from Jaipur brought more than tools—they brought legacy. Their carved wooden blocks, stained with years of use, were passed around like heirlooms. Students dipped them into mud paste, pressed them onto fabric and watched patterns emerge with quiet awe.

“Dabu is not just a technique—it’s a rhythm,” said Ramesh Saini, one of the lead artisans. “You wait for the mud to dry, you dye, you wash and only then do you see the magic. It teaches patience and respect for the process.”

The workshop also sparked conversations about eco-conscious design. With natural dyes like indigo and kashish, and zero chemical waste, dabu stands as a model for sustainable fashion.

“In a world chasing speed, crafts like dabu remind us of the value of slowness and authenticity,” said Dr Meera Bhatia, a Ludhiana-based textile historian and psychologist. “There’s a therapeutic value in working with your hands, in watching something beautiful emerge from earth and effort.”

As students left with their printed samples—some framed, some stitched into tote bags—the mood was one of reverence and renewal. The workshop didn’t just teach a technique; it rekindled a connection to roots, reminding Ludhiana’s young designers that fashion can be both forward-looking and deeply grounded.