The Bagh Utsav began at Gauhar Mahal. Organised in memory of the late Ismail Suleman Khatri, the originator and gold medalist craft guru of Bagh print, the exhibition showcases the Bagh print creations of master craftsman Umar Farooq Khatri, who has preserved this art form for generations. A highlight of this year’s event is Khatri’s display of designer collections featuring Bagh print dress materials and suits incorporating indigo blocks, specifically curated for the Bhopal audience. Visitors to the Utsav can explore exclusive collection, including Bagh print sarees, suits, dress materials, stoles, and bedsheets. The ten-day exhibition will remain open from 12 pm to 10 pm daily. Herbal colours featured at Bagh Utsav:

 

This year’s Bagh Utsav emphasises the use of herbal colours. Dyes derived from pomegranate peels, turmeric, indigo leaves, various plants, and flowers have been employed to give the fabrics a unique appearance. Herbal colours are known for their skin benefits, potentially aiding in the treatment of several skin ailments. Additionally, the exhibition features a series of stripe prints, a complex technique that, according to Farooq Khatri, presents a significant challenge for Bagh print artisans. He notes that this ancestral craft and its intricacies were learned from his father, the late Ismail Khatri. The making of Bagh Print: The original Bagh print is primarily created in Bagh village, located in the Dhar district. The process begins with soaking the fabric in water.

 

To soften the material, it is then treated with a solution of castor oil (sanchora arandi) and goat droppings for 24 to 48 hours, followed by rinsing in two to three changes of water. Subsequently, the fabric is immersed in a harad (myrobalan) paste. After drying, the cloth is ready for printing. Predominant use of two colours: Bagh print primarily utilises two colours: black, obtained from iron rust, and red, derived from alum. Following the printing process with these two colours, the fabrics are washed and developed in the flowing water of the Baghni River in Bagh village for 10 to 15 days. The unique characteristic of the Baghni River is the presence of natural particles that enhance the colours. Stagnant water yields minimal effect. Finally, the fabric undergoes a traditional Bhatti process using aal (Indian madder) roots and dhawdi (Woodfordia fruticosa) flowers.