By Dr Vidhu Sekhar P
In the bustling lanes of Jaipur, where vibrant hues dance across ancient forts and lively bazaars, Surabhi Chaudhari found the colours and stories that shaped her childhood. A Bachelor of Textile Design Semester III student at National Institute of Fashion Technology of Daman Campus, Surabhi draws from this cherished environment—where she spent half her early years—to create A Day Through Jaipur, a stunning hand-painted ghagra that reconstructs not just a place, but the very essence of how it felt. The work was part of her end-term Jury for the subject Surface Embellishment.
Rather than a literal map of the Pink City, Surabhi’s masterpiece invites viewers on a sensory journey through 16 meticulously hand-painted panels. Each one bursts with iconic Jaipur elements: the golden glow of Hawa Mahal at dawn, the chaotic energy of street vendors, the intricate mehndi patterns on festival days, and the sunset hues over Amber Fort. These panels form the ghagra’s flowing skirt, screaming Jaipur’s spirit in every swirl of colour and texture.
What elevates this piece is Surabhi’s masterful integration of Surface Embellishment I techniques. The borders feature 16 distinct embroidery stitches explored in class—from delicate chain stitches evoking floral jaali work to bold French knots mimicking gemstone inlays. Every lace, statement border, and seam is hand-stitched, showcasing her dedication to artisanal craft in a fast-fashion world.
Surabhi extends the narrative beyond the ghagra, designing a complementary blouse and styling that weave seamlessly into the story. The blouse mirrors Jaipur’s royal motifs with subtle painted accents, while accessories like embroidered dupattas and beaded jewelry complete an ensemble ready for a modern-day Rajasthani celebration.
“This isn’t replication—it’s revival,” Surabhi shares. “Jaipur lives in my visual memory, and through this ghagra, I wanted to share that emotional palette.” As a proud student of NIFT Daman, her work exemplifies the institute’s ethos of blending cultural heritage with innovative design, proving that personal stories can spin into wearable art. It is a piece that does not just adorn the body—it transports the wearer back to Jaipur’s heartbeat.
