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BLUE GODDESS " NEELA "

Fermented Indigo Vat

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The vision of the Project:

In my quest to combat global warming and air pollution, I, Parmeet embarked on a transformative journey by establishing my organic fermented indigo vat in France, rather than India, where the majority of the textile industry is located. With a vision to reduce the environmental impact of textile production and promote eco-friendly alternatives in the industry,

 

Parmeet opted for France and utilized sustainable practices such as the 'making an indigo vat' technique.

By harnessing locally available materials like oak wood ash water and tamarind, Parmeet crafted a transformative indigo dye, symbolizing the fusion of tradition and innovation. This endeavor showcases how Parmeet united her Indian heritage with the soil of France to create something truly remarkable.

My Indigo fermentation is done in a Clay pot!

Project Details:

Dedicated to revitalizing the traditional natural indigo dyeing process in Cognac, France, this project represents a unique collaboration between Indian tradition and the local community of Charente. The main objectives were twofold: firstly, to establish an Indigo VAT in Cognac City as part of a local eco-conscious project, and secondly, to tell the captivating story of indigo through fabric using traditional dyeing techniques.

To achieve these goals, the I, solo team meticulously researched and adopted locally available agro-waste materials for the fermentation process, ensuring sustainability and environmental responsibility. The setup of the Indigo fermented Vat in Cognac City not only served as a practical endeavor but also symbolized the fusion of cultures and traditions in the pursuit of sustainable practices.

To honor the traditional method, Parmeet named her three-year-old fermented vat of indigo "Neela." Indigo, historically extracted from plant leaves, was a prized natural dye crucial due to the rarity of blue dyes. As early as the Greco-Roman era, India became a primary supplier of indigo to Europe, highlighting its economic significance. Interestingly, this blue hue was once forbidden in France due to its association with rebellion during the French Revolution.

This project embodies Parmeet's vision of marrying tradition with innovation, fostering sustainability, and preserving cultural heritage while paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future in the textile industry.

Indigo, revered for its spiritual significance and representation of power and wealth, has historically held immense importance. Academic studies have documented its extensive use, including by the French army for dyeing cloth. Additionally, scholars have highlighted the economic impact of indigo, with importers in Cognac exporting both indigo and spices.

In Indian and British cultures, indigo symbolized prosperity, reflecting findings from scholarly research.Therefore, only the wealthiest could afford to wear garments and paintings, where the pigment from indigo plant was used.

As an individual leading the Indigo Vat project, I recognize the potential of each country producing its own dye and cloth as a means to reduce waste on Earth. This aligns with my principles of sustainability and localized production, which are often advocated for in environmental conservation efforts. By promoting the idea of localized production, we can potentially decrease carbon emissions associated with transportation and encourage the use of eco-friendly materials.

HO-LI-KA Method 

INDIGO Method 

No 1 HO-LI-KA  Forest Residue / Fermented Indigo - " NEELA "

No 2 HO-LI-KA  Agro -Waste / Vineyard Land Art - The Saree Offering 

No 3 HO-LI-KA  Expernimentation Workshop / Foundation Martell / Ordinaire Extra 

Herein lies the beauty of tradition and ancient techniques – whether in India or France, we are united by one earth and one soil.

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