Art and culture are the soul of a community, telling stories of, and reflecting the values and experiences of, the community across generations. This understanding drew me to Nirona village near Bhuj (a city in Gujarat State, India), known for its rich artistic heritage and lasting craft traditions.
Walking through the village felt like entering the heart of Kutch; the region’s vibrant legacy is brought to life through crafts like Rogan art, Kutch lacquer wooden work, and copper bell art. Each piece of art reflects the spirit, history, and passion of artisans. What makes Nirona special is the dedication of its people, who have preserved these crafts by passing them down for generations.
To share their beautiful creations with you, I have made three videos covering the three craft forms in detail. These videos offer a richer experience than what photos alone can convey.
Rogan Art: A Living Tradition of Handcrafted Beauty
The first on my to-visit list in this trip was Rogan art, or Rogan paintings, a type of cloth painting known for its detailed patterns and vibrant colours. Originating in Persia, this 400-year-old art has been preserved by the Khatri family in Gujarat for eight generations, earning them the Padma Shri Award (India’s fourth-highest civilian award) in 2019.
Once used to decorate bridal garments such as ghagras (long flowy skirts) and odhanis (long shawl-like scarves), and bedspreads, Rogan art has adapted over time to match modern trends. The Khatri family now makes bags, wall hangings, sarees, and even men’s clothing with this art while keeping its essence intact.
Rogan art is more than a craft—it is a symbol of cultural pride, resilience, and artistic excellence.
Ringing Through Generations: The Legacy of Copper Bells
Next on my list was copper bell art. The Luhars of Nirona, through their creations of bells and handicrafts that are both functional and artistic, have preserved this craft for ten generations now. This art, originating in Sindh (a province in Pakistan), is now the livelihood for many families.
What amazed me was the simplicity of the process. With just a few basic tools, the artisans shape the bells without welding or soldering. The pieces are carefully joined through precise hammering and shaping, showcasing their skill and deep dedication to this craft.
From Wood to Wonder: The Timeless Beauty of Kutch Lacquer Work
My final stop was to see Kutch lacquer work, a craft that blends nature, tradition, and creativity. The artisans turn simple wooden items like spoons, spatulas, rolling pins, and boards into colourful works of art by applying natural dyes.
This art is kept alive by the Vadha community, who migrated from Sindh to Kutch before the Indo-Pak Partition in 1947. Over generations, they have preserved and perfected their skills, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.
I hope the videos offer you a glimpse into this creative world, inspiring you to appreciate and support the art and artisans that make places like Nirona truly special.
Nirona is located 40 kilometers from Bhuj in Kutch district, Gujarat. It is about 370 kilometers from Ahmedabad.
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