FLO Uttarakhand, under the leadership of Chairperson Tripti Behl, hosted “Mud, Indigo & Time: The Art of Ajrakh,” an immersive heritage and design workshop held on August 13, 2026, at Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University (DBUU) in Dehradun. The event featured 11th-generation Ajrakh master artisan Ustad Vasif Khatri as the keynote speaker to promote sustainable Indian craftsmanship and traditional handloom practices.
The workshop was structured under a formal MoU between FICCI FLO Uttarakhand and Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University (DBUU), specifically involving its Fashion Design and Liberal Arts departments. This institutional partnership collaborated directly with 11th-generation master artisan Ustad Vasif Khatri to provide live technical training, while expanding its regional footprint to include participants from The Olympus School, Dehradun.
The primary objective of the Ajrakh Printing Workshop was to provide students with an immersive and meaningful understanding of one of India’s most treasured traditional textile crafts. The event aimed to familiarize students with the complete 16-step Ajrakh printing process, including fabric preparation, mud-resist application, block printing, natural dyeing, repeated indigo dyeing cycles, washing, and finishing.
Through a live demonstration and hands-on interaction with Ustad Vasif Khatri, an 11th-generation Ajrakh Artist, students were allowed to observe the intricate techniques involved in block carving, resist printing, and natural dyeing. The workshop sought to develop a deeper appreciation of the precision, patience, creativity, and generational knowledge required to create authentic Ajrakh textiles.
Another key objective was to create awareness about the importance of preserving India’s intangible cultural heritage and supporting traditional artisan communities. The session also encouraged students to explore the relevance of heritage crafts in contemporary fashion and understand how traditional practices can contribute to sustainable, slow, and ethical fashion.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the 16 Steps of Ajrakh: Students were taken through the entire process of Ajrakh printing — from fabric preparation, mud resist application, multiple dyeing cycles in natural indigo, to washing and finishing. The session highlighted how each step requires precision, patience, and deep knowledge passed down through generations.
- Live Demonstration & Hands-on Learning: Direct interaction with Ustad Vasif Khatri gave students a rare opportunity to see block carving, mud resist printing, and natural dyeing live. This experiential learning helped them appreciate the skill, time, and effort behind every Ajrakh piece and made the heritage craft more relatable and memorable.
- Preserving Heritage & Promoting Sustainable Fashion: The workshop emphasized the importance of safeguarding traditional crafts and supporting artisan communities. Students were encouraged to explore how age-old techniques like Ajrakh can be integrated into contemporary fashion to promote sustainable, slow, and ethical clothing choices.
Impact & Outcome
Around 120+ students and faculty members of the Department of Fashion Design, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, and Olympus School participated in the Mud, Indigo & Time heritage and design workshop.
By connecting students directly with the craft and its practitioners, the event aimed to inspire respect for traditional craftsmanship, encourage responsible fashion choices, and motivate young learners to contribute to the preservation and evolution of India’s rich textile heritage.