Origin
Leheriya is a traditional form of tie-dye mainly produced in Rajasthan, India. This design can be observed on brightly coloured materials with different, multicolored patterns. The word ‘Leheriya” is derived from the Rajasthani word, ‘wave’. This is because the techniques of the dyeing are complex, motley patterns.
How it is made?
Leheriya work is a water-centric craft that uses buckets of water with colored dyes. The materials are tied into knots with ‘Killis’ (wet threads made of cotton, polyester, nylon or silk) A ‘Mudda’ or a small wooden stool with a large pole is used to tie a part of the material whilst the rest of the cloth is hung loose. A copper dish which is called the ‘Undi’ is used to wash the fabrics and to dye them too. The next procedure is to dry the material in a ‘Hydro Extract’ where the excess water is removed and lastly, the ‘Koonti’ where the material is twisted to remove the remaining water.
Types of Leheriya
Rajashahi Leheriya: It is the most common form of the Leheriya and has diagonal wave print. It can also be called ‘Pratapashahi’/Salaidar
Mothara: This pattern is just a repeated form of the Rajashahi Leheriya printed twice and is intersected with each other and forms a diamond that occurs frequently on the lines. The diamonds also have specific called the ‘Patanga’
Nageena Mothara: In Hindi, Nageena means gems. So, this small gem-like patterns is formed at an equal distance.
Katva Patta Leheriya: This type of Leheriya is dyed twice. After it’s dyed once, the color will be discharged with acid and then dyed again with a different colour. Bands are created in an equal distance or also called as ‘pattas’. Therefore, the name Katva patta has been derived.
How it is worn?
Leheriya patterned clothes are predominantly worn by women around the northern regions of India; mainly around the Rajasthani region. The women wear leheriya patterned Cholis (flowy skirts) with long shawls or also called the dupatta. The men wear Leheriya patterned turbans and each turban has a significant meaning to wear for each occasion. Leheriya clothes are dyed on breezy fabrics. Leheriya clothing can be worn as a beauty statement and for comfort as well.
