Color's of Nature: Reviving Jharkhand's Hidden Treasures
Lal Padh - Jharkhand's lost traditional Red
Jharkhand a land abundant in forests & minerals that yield exceptional dyes. Through dedicated research, we are uncovering Jharkhand's hidden treasure - to revive the ancient art of natural dyeing.
One of our most significant rediscoveries is Jharkhand's lost traditional red, the iconic shade of Lal Padh - a symbol of the region's tribal heritage. By reviving natural dyeing, we are creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits not just the wearer, but also the artisans, farmers and the environment. ​
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INDIGO in Jharkhand
We planted the first indigo plant in Jharkhand to observe how it adapts to a new environment, far from its traditionally grown regions of India
As we monitored its growth, the response to Jharkhand’s climate was unpredictable — yet the plant reached an impressive height of 5 feet. Encouraged by this, we are now focusing on the next step of our research.
In parallel, we’ve also experimented with indigo cakes sourced from Andhra Pradesh and are proud to be the first in Jharkhand to dye fabrics using natural indigo.
SASAANG LUGDI - Revival of Santhali's traditional wedding saree
In the local dialect, Sasaang means turmeric and Lugdi refers to a wrapper or drape—together symbolizing a sacred, culturally significant textile rooted in Santhal tradition. Once an integral part of Santhal weddings, the Sasaang Lugdi was dyed at home using turmeric, a revered natural resource associated with purity and blessing.
Santhals believe that the fabric should remain unfinished, with no cuts or knots—preserving its wholeness as a sign of sanctity and spiritual continuity.These wedding fabrics were never bought or sourced—they were lovingly handwoven and dyed by Santhal families themselves.
This revival brings back not just a textile, but a tradition woven with memory, meaning, and ancestral care. Crafted from natural dyed cotton, it honors the essence of self-reliance, ritual, and cultural pride passed down through generations.
With each thread we dye, we weave together history, culture and sustainability - bringing India's natural dyeing heritage back to life.
During Anvrat's research in a district of Jharkhand, we unearthed a remarkable piece of history - a naturally dyed red thread and a century old organic cotton thread, meticulously grown and spun by weavers themselves. This handcrafted yarn, known as Khadi, embodies the rich heritage of self-sustained cotton farming and artisanal craftsmanship.
