Last year I had an opportunity to travel to Uttarakhand and I wanted to get a razai as a souvenir for myself and my dear ones.We visited the Uttarakhand Craft Cottage Industries and bought razai though the cost was on a bit higher side that was only due to its unique design and exceptional quality. They were ready to courier it to our hometown.
Razai is an Urdu word meaning quilt in English.Its a warm bed covering made of padding enclosed between layers of fabric kept in place by lines of stitching, they are often used in the winter to keep people warm and are passed down through families,and are mainly used in India and neighbouring countries.Jaipur has its unique form of quilt making that is now celebrated as Jaipur razai,they are a piece of art with their intricate stitching,vibrant colour and unique design .Jaipur razai is not confined to a particular era,it spans generations.
The filling inside the razai is purely hand spun and hand woven khadi, cotton and falalen. They are handmade by artisans who have been practising for decades ,the intricate stitching and vibrant designs are showcase of traditional Indian craftsmanship.The colours used in Jaipur razai are extracted from flowers, leaves and peels of fruits and vegetables.Most famous prints include Sanganeri,Mughal and hand-block.They are lightweight and breathable suitable for all seasons and most important they are eco friendly.After I started using it I could not adapt to any blanket.Even the guest who visit us will have a special word about this razai. If you contact them they will courier you directly .Yes you get it online but not sure about the quality.So next time you decide on getting a razai plz give Jaipuri razai a try.
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We at our home have several razai that we bought from Rajasthan as my mother’s ancestorial family belongs from there and we often go there. I also find razai better than modern quilts with different fabrics. However, as I stay away from my home, it is impossible for me to carry razai because it’s too big and bulky to carry anywhere. But whenever I am at home in winter, I use them only.