AN INITIATIVE OF CRAFT REVIVAL TRUST.  Since 1999
Mauli/ Kautuka / Kalawa – Sacred Cotton Thread

Ritual Arts/Crafts, Tie-dye, Bandhani, Shibori

Mauli/ Kautuka / Kalawa – Sacred Cotton Thread

The red or saffron-cum-red dyed ritual protection cotton cord can be found across India as it forms an indispensable part of Hindu ceremonies. Its vernacular names range from Mauli/ representing the higher powers that are above all, Puja Dhaaga/ Prayer thread, Raksha Sutra/ Protection cords, Kalawa, kaapukayiru, charandu, kautuka etc. These non-woven intertwined cotton threads are tied by the priest at the start or end of the ritual or prayer ceremony. They are tied on ritual objects to be used in the ceremony and on the wrist of the attendees. Tied on the right wrist of males and on the left wrist of females the intertwined cotton threads are wound around the wrist several times before being knotted.This consecrated thread is believed to offer divine protection and blessings from the prayer that have been performed.

Produced all over India and made by specialist craftspersons the cotton hanks are hand dyed usually in fugitive colours of red or a combination of saffron and red – which is tied and dyed – and the threads are twisted together to make a cord.

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