“Colours of Earth”, an exhibition of winter wear collection by Avani, from the rural area of Uttaranchal, was launched at Osho World galleria on 6 th January 2006.

Woven in the tapestry of rural life of Kumaon artisans, in rustic tones of colours of mother earth, the collection comprises of pashmina shawls and mufflers, jackets and silk stoles in eri, muga and tussar which are vegetable dyed extracted from the flora and fauna of the hills of Kumaon, katha, supari, tesu, anarchilku are some of the natural materials used from which dyes are being extracted.

Vegetable dyes have a two-step process of dyeing as they have no attraction for the fabric and therefore need to be first mordanted and then dyed to impart fixation of the dye to the fabric. Having its own subdued natural beauty the stoles made in wild silks as well as in wool silk blends are in plain and simple figurative weave.

The hallmark of the collection are hand spun, hand woven pashmina shawls and mufflers in natural colours of white and beige. Pashmina also called Cashmere as the traditional name of Kashmir is a very fine wool that comes from the undercoat of the Himalayan mountain goat. This luxuriant fibre is prized for its softness, warmth and long life. A stole and shawl have emerged as an interesting article of clothing, which adds a lot of finesse to otherwise plain attire, as well as make an individualistic statement.

The Haiku collection at Osho World offers a range of garments and accessories, which are inspired by the Zen character of a soft and minimilastic appeal where the fabric and the styling has its innate beauty uncluttered of any extraneous trims as embellishment. The ensemble comprises of kurtas, tops, pyjamas, robes its all made in natural fibres, which provide an intrinsic element of ease and comfort to the wearer. From time to time the collection launches a fresh range based on Osho’s philosophy of aesthetics, beauty and creativity ‘Colours of Earth’ is another of such events that reflects the natural synergy of ‘Avani’ a non-profit organization with that of Osho World. Working towards providing sustainable livelihood to 450 artisans over 25 villages. Avani strives to preserve and revise the skill of weaving, spinning and natural dyeing. Osho World on the other hand is instrumental in extending this eco-friendly product range to all the nature-loving buyers that come to the store.

“ Whatsoever you do, if you do it joyfully, if you do it lovingly, if your act of doing it is not purely economical, then it is creative. If you have something growing out of it within you, if it gives you growth, it is spiritual, it is creative, it is divine.”

-Osho