The Hodka village & the magic of Kachchh
This time when you make travel plans, why not try something different? How about visiting an authentic and charming village retreat in the Rann of Kachchh?
Here are some insights into a very different way of life.
Mud, or, to be more colloquial, Maati, is the essential material to which every Kachchhi in Banni relates to. Centuries of experience have given the people of Banni mastery over maati and their Bhunga (circular hut) demonstrates a deep understanding of the ecological, social and aesthetic features of architecture.
The thick maati walls, which keep the interior cool during the hot Kachchhi summers and warm in the cold desert winters, terminate in conical roofs made of thatch. The roof protects the walls which are adorned beautifully with colourful geometric and floral patterns also created from hand shaped maati.
Women use earth colours to paint the different motifs and create mud-mirror work designs (Lippan Kaam) to decorate the exterior and interior walls of the Bhunga.
The traditional Bhunga is an engineering wonder. This sturdy structure has been known to withstand severe winds and seismic activity because of its circular design and tough mud plaster.
Now you can visit and experience ethnic life at the Hodka village - The Hodka Endogenous Tourism Project seeks to promote local culture and craft based tourism for sustainable livelihoods and integrated rural development. Its aim is to improve the local people’s quality of life, by creating more livelihood options, while preserving and allowing the community to develop their unique culture and share it with you, the visitor.
Hodka is part of a national project which includes other 36 Indian villages.
Text courtesy: Hodka endogenous tourism project