Know which cattle header community now weave Dhabhla Fabric of Kutch

Have you ever relished such moments where ‘ the warmth of a simple blanket’ doesn’t feel simple at all? If such an experience happens to you, too. Then, you must have encountered ‘Dhabhla fabric’.

This woollen shawl from the Bhuj district, Kutch, was famous for a specific motif, which makes it very unique in its appearance.

But if Kutch’s embroidery is considered the woollen gem, then  ‘Dhabhla’ definitely act as a silent hero of the desert. 

History and evaluation of Dhabhla  Fabric of Bhuj, Kutch 

In this fast-fashion world, its story started around 600 years ago. The Meghal community, one of the skilled weaving groups of Rajasthan, once migrated to Kutch, Gujarat, along with their weaving tools and their dearest buddies, the nomadic cattle herders called the Rabari community.

These Rabari cattle herders used to provide Meghals a handful of woollen fleece, and in return, the Meghals weave sweaters from it. 

This centuries-old partnership between the two communities remains forever. 

Days passed, years passed, even the centuries passed, but this friendship never fades. 

And that’s still keeping people warm till today.

Originally, this Dhabhla fabric is nothing but an off- white natural ‘deisoon’ blanket ( wool in the local language).  

The specific combination of motif styles,  woven on the fabric, clearly depicts which community of weavers it belongs to. 

The dholki, a small-sized drum, the Choumukh, a diamond with little ‘V’ shaped corners, the poanchako, the design inspired by a 5-paisa coin, and the Holadhi, a quirky two-goat fighting pattern, are the most renowned motifs of the Dhabhla Fabric.

Process of weaving the Dhabhla Fabric

The making process is also a full-on community event. The yarn is coated with a wheat, rice and onion paste, then the sizing starts on the open street. 

They also use a haatbashad, a special kind of pit loom, to perfect the interlocking of the ‘Dhabhla’ shawl. Then the weavers used the Khilvani process, which is a signature stitching method of Dhabhal, where the two parts of the fabric are sewn together down the centre. 

Though the ethnic communities constrain this fabric from creating quilts to weaving heavy blankets. But in the modern market, these stunning motifs are also used on cotton dupattas or on the dress material. 

FAQs

1. Which kind of dhabhla fabric is now very trendy in the market?

The Dhabhla Shawl, Dhabhla Dupatta, and Dhabhla dresses are now very trendy in the market. \

2. Which fabric is called Dhabhla textile?

Any fabrics where the Dhabhla weaving is done are called Dhabhla textiles.

3. Which district is famous for the Dhabhla shawl?

The Bhuj district of Kutch and Gujarat is now famous for the Dhabhla Fabric.

4. Is Dhabhla Fabric online available?

Yes, the Dhabhla fabric online is available right now on various e- commerce platforms. 

5. How much Dhabhla Fabric price?

Dhabhla fabric’s range starts from 5k and can go up to 15k

6. Except Meghal and Rabari, which other community is now famous for weaving Dhabhla?

The Vankar community is now famous for weaving the Dhabhla fabric.