Held on 1–2 July 2024 at Shramajeevi Ashrama, this two-day workshop was hosted by Charaka Mahila Vividhoddesha Kaigarika Sahakara Sangha Ni with the participation of 10 embroiderers. Guided by Varsha MN, a Master of Social Design student from NIFT Kangra, the workshop focused on creating embroidered accessories using surplus textiles from Charaka’s production processes. Participants crafted hair clips and bows while exploring thoughtful, sustainable design practices.
Learning Through Living Traditions
Workshops at Charaka are collaborative spaces for artisans to learn, unlearn and adapt together.
Workshops at Charaka
Charaka conducts ongoing workshops and training programmes across textile practices, sustainable living, and community development. These include hands-on training in natural dyeing, tie-dye, embroidery, sewing, and clothing design, alongside lectures and demonstration workshops on water, fire, and food conservation for sustainable living. National-level theatre workshops, as well as continuous awareness programmes on health and education, are also organised. Resource persons include experienced practitioners, sector experts, and eminent professionals from across disciplines.
Embroidery Workshop
Repurposing textiles through design and craft
Natural Dyeing Workshop
Exploring natural dyes across fibres and forms
This workshop focused on applying natural dyes to a range of natural fibres and products produced at Charaka. The programme brought together 16 participants, including interns, dye-unit employees, and practitioners from across Karnataka. Led by Jagada Rajappa, an experienced textile entrepreneur from Hyderabad, the workshop deepened practical knowledge of traditional dyeing techniques rooted in Indian textile practices.
Learning that lives beyond the workshop
Charaka’s workshops welcome those who wish to engage deeply with handloom traditions, natural processes and community-led craft practices.