Kusti Weaving of Gujarat

Kusti weaving is a sacred tradition among Parsis, who wear a woven girdle called Kusti as part of their custom and ritual. The art of Kusti weaving requires years of training and expertise, and is mainly practiced by elderly women. The Kusti is made of lamb’s wool or white camel’s hair, and consists of seventy-two threads woven together on a special loom. The process includes spinning, weaving, and consecrating the Kusti, and is symbolic of the spiritual journey. The Jantar, a foldable loom, is used to weave the Kusti, which can be easily carried from one place to another. The loose ends of the Kusti are divided into nine parts and plaited to form a tubular finish. After a thorough wash, the Kusti is treated with sulphur and consecrated by a priest before it is ready to be used.