Aapno Store Blog

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Journey through Mazes of Block Print


Rajasthan is the heartland of hand-block printing. Aapno Store is soon going to introduce stunning, unusual combinations of scarlet shocking pink, purple and orange, turquoise and parrot green, saffron and crimson, shot with gold and silver which would steal the limelight in any gathering.

The process of hand block printing includes artisans to soak carved wooden blocks in different colors and then paste them on the fabric thus creating some magical wonder on the piece of cloth. Aapno Store brings you an exquisite collection of floral prints and designs made in vegetable colour which is the specialty of Rajasthan block printing.

The art of Khari or overprinting in gold is also practiced in Rajasthan. This makes the traditional form of block printing even more charming and contemporary.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Swinging With the Beat - At Aapno Store.

Aapno Store

The vibrancy of Rajasthan is never completely discovered until you engulf yourself in the music and dance of it. Aapno Store brings you best of the untouched music collection from across the roots of Rajasthan.

Patronized by erstwhile royalty, the music and dance of Rajasthan follows a legacy that dated back to several centuries. The rich folklore and culture has added some more sparkles to its glory making Rajasthani dance and music a treasured jewel in Indian culture.

Be it the mesmerizing melody of Sarangi or Shahnai or the cymbal like sound of 'manjeera' or the foot tapping beats of 'khartal' or 'dhol', when this collection discovered by Aapno Store embrace each other on the occasion of a lively dance performance, a magical ambience is created in the golden beauty of Rajasthan.

The grace and beauty of the 'ghoomar', 'gair' and 'sapera ' are increased many fold with the enchanting music and song performance by the professional and folk artists. The folk songs discovered by Aapno Store narrate the rich folklore and imperial heritage of the state that has been captivating the entire world for many centuries.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Lost In the Hues of Tie and Dye


Just like any other region of the world, Rajasthan also specializes in emerging some excellent fabric and the most precious one of the state being tie and dye work which is also called 'bandhni' in local language. Heart-warming designs, dyed in a particular style, this age old artistry reign supreme in Rajasthan. The art of bandhani is highly skilled process and Rajasthani artisans have come a long way in developing new designs and patterns every time fashion statement changed here. Now the tie and dye clothes are one of the most exported fabrics of India which also carries a part of Rajasthan with it.

Lahariya, Mothda, Ekdali and Shikari are the most popular patterns amongst all the styles of bandhni and every design exhibit a unique look and nature. Lahariya and Mothra are similar designs where Lahariya has long lines in various shades running diagonally through the entire piece of cloth and Mothra showcases a checked effect with opposite diagonals. The human and animal figures depicting nicely in the dazzling colours is the identity of Shikari bandhni. Ekdali pattern flaunts small circles and squares in different shades of colour and the cluster of three, four and seven multi coloured dots make it even more gorgeous. Sikar and Jodhpur are the most favoured destinations for excellent tie and dye work while Jaipur, Barmer, Pali, Udaipur and Nathdwada are still on their way to attain the maximum height.

Aapno Store brings you a mesmerizing collection of tie and die Laharia, Mothda Bandhni and much more at the most reasonable prices.


Friday, September 24, 2010

Cuisines of Rajasthan- Royal pamper to my taste buds.


The Rajasthani food boasts of a tempting variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. In Rajasthan, the food is predominantly cooked in pure ghee. Its aroma and taste will linger in your mouth long after you left the dining area.

The ancient princely state of Rajasthan gave rise to a royal cuisine. The Rajas who went on hunting expeditions ate the meat or the fowl that they brought back. Even today, Rajasthani princely feasts flaunt meat cuisines that are incomparable. In contrast are the vegetarian Rajasthanis. Their food cooked in pure ghee is famous for its mouth- watering aroma. Some of the widely renowned Rajasthani Cuisines are dal-bati, besan-chakki, churma, jhajariya, gevar, balusahi, tarfini, raabdi, bail-gatte, panchkoota, chaavadi, laapasi, nukhti, googri and dhungari hui chaach. The most interesting fact of Rajasthani food is that some recipes are passed on by generations to generations.

Rajasthan's tastiest curries are based on the use of pulses or gram flour. Dry fruits, spices and yogurt are used in many delicacies. Rajasthan can also boast of a vast array of savories and sun-dried snacks. Be it dal baati and churma or missi roti , one always ends up licking his fingers.

Your tummy will scream "No more!" But you won't stop!!!

Lacquer (Lac) Jewellery- A graceful touch of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan is considered to be the crafts paradise of India. Some of the most attractive Indian jewellery comes from the land of Rajasthan. In colors, concepts and workmanship – the handicraft of Rajasthan is incomparable. The ethnic aura makes Rajasthan an absolute collector's delight. Rajasthani jewellery has a vast and varied tradition.

Lacquer (Lac Bangle) is one of the most popular jewellery manufactured in Rajasthan with Indian traditional touch that has been widely appreciated by global consumers. They are durable products finished with natural colors and fine designing. Lacquer bangles are worn as an auspicious sign and good omen. These are made in an amazing variety of designs and colors – some in flat colors, some iridescent or marbles, while others flash white fire from rhinestones or tiny mirrors at the turn of the wrist. It goes well with the traditional wear as sari and lehnga, and a wonderful contrast with western wear as jeans and skirts. Bangle is just not another piece of jewellery that is worn around the wrist or arm, this jewellery is the most acclaimed and widely used in Indian subcontinent.

Lacquer articles get about a graceful and tempting touch to the décor. It is always delicately used to make beautiful Lacquer articles which truly have an appealing & heritage look.

Lacquer Jewellery is the perfect fashion statement in traditional as well as modern fashion scenario as it emphasizes any outfit due to its various styles, colors and sizes. In Lacquer jewellery wide product range includes Lacquer Earrings, Lacquer Bangles and Lacquer Bracelets etc.

Aapno Store offers you a wide range of Lacquer articles and items at their unique and beautiful style & at discounted wholesale prices.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Jodhpuri Mojris – The Shahi (Royal) Boot.


Footwear has always been an essential part of any attire or costume. The list of Indian footwear is never complete without the mention of handmade mojris or jutis, associated with numerous cultures in India. Whether you are looking for embroidered mojaris, beaded mojris or just a plain pair, they exist in abundance and are simply fascinating. Various regions of India are known for their specific versions of jutis that can be worn on numerous festive and celebratory occasions.

Whether or not a footwear connoisseur, you must have heard about the Jodhpuri jutis, popular all across India and the world. Mojris of Jodhpur (Rajasthan) are a favorite of all, regardless of the communities they belong to. Jodhpur footwear is famous throughout India. The catalogue of Indian footwear is incomplete without the mention of Mojris of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Also known as Jodhpuri Jutis, this footwear can help give a royal touch to your dresses. These jutis are normally hand crafted and are available in a variety of shades and designs. Jodhpuri jutis are a perfect match for traditional attires like Sherwanis, Achkans, kurta pajama and of course Jodhpuri suits. Jodhpuri jutis add a royal touch to your personality.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Blue Pottery in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is diverse in many aspects. And one can easily find this diversity in profusion of domestic pottery that is found in multiple shapes and sizes. This aspect is almost inseparable from any Indian scene.

Blue pottery is another traditional pottery art which has flourished globally with enormous potential.

Blue pottery though Turko-Persian in origin, is widely recognized as a traditional craft of Jaipur. Legend has it that blue pottery came to Jaipur in the early 19th century when Sawai Ram Singhji II (1835 – 1880) set up a school of Art and encouraged artists and craftsmen from all over the country to come and settle here in Jaipur – a tradition started by his fore-fathers.

Blue Pottery is based on ground quartz. The dough is pressed into moulds and the unfired pieces are hand painted with oxide colors, dipped in clear glaze and fired once in wooden kilns. The process is very tedious and time consuming. Not only did it require time and patience but also money.

Blue pottery product range consists of items such as bowls, plates, and vases. It also consists of bead jewellery and is majorly survived as a decorative item – ideal for gifts and souvenirs.

At Aapno Store we stock a handpicked collection of genuine Blue Pottery, sourced directly from craftsmen, thus ensuring enticing prices for all individuals. You can also contact us for corporate gifting bulk orders.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Rajasthan Leather Craft

Rajasthani leather craft and craftsmanship is famous worldwide. Most of the leather products in Rajasthan are made up of camel hide. Though leather stuff is available in almost all part of Rajasthan but Bikaner is most popular as the centre where leather commodities are produced.

Craftsmanship is rooted in the tribal communities of Rajasthan as this is their sole mode of earning.Earlier artisans used to work under royal patronage but as the social system changes their condition deteriorated. Later it was revived & plays an important role in to the state’s economy.

Jootis & Mojari’s are the most famous products made out of leather . Apart from these two you can find leather bags, saddles, pouches, hats, lampshades, hip flask, perfume cases, water pots & what not.

Both men & women are occupied in this profession. Usually, men does the work of tanning, cutting & stitching whereas women give the touch ups in the form of embroidery & ornamentation. Jaipur and Jodhpur are famous for leather footwear. Jootis & Mojari’s, apart from their looks, are very comfortable to wear.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Aapno Store : The conceptualization

Rajasthan, a land of colors, offers such magnetic attractions that forces people from across the world to visit this princely state time and again.

The culture, the heritage, the food and last but not the least the shopping attracts people in huge numbers to this state.

Rajasthan is such a vast state that even though you may be traveling here it is still not possible to cover the entire state and witness its rich culture.

The leather work of Jaisalmer/Barmer, sanganeri prints from Jaipur, handicrafts from Jodhpur, marble arts from Udaipur/Makrana, tye & dye fabrics, wood work, miniature paintings, quilts & furnishings, blue pottery, puppets and the list goes on and on.

It is not possible to buy all in one single trip to this heavenly state and that sense of disappointment still stays in the heart despite witnessing such great culture and heritage from close quarters. And not being able to buy sitting at home outside Rajasthan/India is another drawback faced by every one.

AAPNO STORE brings to you all traditional and contemporary stuff Rajasthan is famous for by just a click of button. This is Rajasthan’s first complete online e-commerce enabled store catering to the needs of every customer.

“Aapno” means “OURS” in Rajasthan. Yes this is truly your store working on a pure philosophy of what customer wants. We have added items after deep research on the customer’s preference and their buying habits. All the items included in our portfolio are sourced from the manufacturer directly and hence are offered to end customer at very affordable prices.

Being an online portal, our prices are fixed for all. Hence the customer is assured of getting an honest & authentic deal with out chances of any negotiations.

Our working methodology is on volumes and hence these aggressive prices are offered. Sourcing the items directly from the manufacturers also ensures elimination of different channels and hence quality is thoroughly assured on all products.