Kausar Iqbal love to share our rich eastern culture and traditions. Here we will share our artisans story & crafts techniques
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Hand embroidery
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
East World Market Studio
Studio
hand embroidery using stitches buttonhole & shadow work.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Sequence and crystal work by EWM
Sequence and crystal work done by hand and it’s a very time consuming task but creativity is pass to one generation and to another generation. Artisans work in team of two or four and finish the whole project in a week time. Mostly they create saris, shawls and tunic or kamiz & dupattas (scarf).so order your dress at ewmkt@yahoo.com
Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Celebrating heritage through motif designs
Celebrating heritage through motif designs
The legacy continues at East World Market design studio
The traditional crafts are found in every region of Pakistan with rich Mughal style and Islamic art form. With its emphasis on perfect synchronization, perfect balance and correct depicted floral and geometric patterns is predominated in Pakistani designs. It can be seen in different form of architecture to textile. Window and door grills and gates in Pakistan has very distinguished patterns so is the glazed tiles of different motifs found in pre and post historical period of Mughals, Indus civilization, Gandhara Civilization ,Islamic Period and Sikh Period.
Some of the most prominent designs are
Carrey or Paisley motif
This Is a droplet shaped vegetable (mango seed) motif and that also filled with geometrical lines and patterns sometimes it’s also called as Persian pickles. This is a very popular design in other countries also like Iran, India and central Asian countries. Paisley designs are used using gold or silver threads on silk and other textile. In Pakistan, these pattern are widely termed as the Carrey ,it’s the mango sometime also called as Ambia or Ambi.
Jaldar (netted) Motif
This is a repetition of the geometric motif. Mostly using circle, square, triangle and lines
Then there are motifs according to the regions
The legacy continues at East World Market design studio
The traditional crafts are found in every region of Pakistan with rich Mughal style and Islamic art form. With its emphasis on perfect synchronization, perfect balance and correct depicted floral and geometric patterns is predominated in Pakistani designs. It can be seen in different form of architecture to textile. Window and door grills and gates in Pakistan has very distinguished patterns so is the glazed tiles of different motifs found in pre and post historical period of Mughals, Indus civilization, Gandhara Civilization ,Islamic Period and Sikh Period.
Some of the most prominent designs are
Carrey or Paisley motif
This Is a droplet shaped vegetable (mango seed) motif and that also filled with geometrical lines and patterns sometimes it’s also called as Persian pickles. This is a very popular design in other countries also like Iran, India and central Asian countries. Paisley designs are used using gold or silver threads on silk and other textile. In Pakistan, these pattern are widely termed as the Carrey ,it’s the mango sometime also called as Ambia or Ambi.
Jaldar (netted) Motif
This is a repetition of the geometric motif. Mostly using circle, square, triangle and lines
Then there are motifs according to the regions
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tie dye or Bandhani
Tie and dye is one of the traditional dyeing styles in Pakistan, one of traditional form of tie dying began some 5000 years ago and called as bandhani or Chunri. This technique involves tying small dots with thread all over the fabric to create designs and motifs. After tying the fabric is dyed then the ties are removed and a beautiful pattern form on the fabric. Most popular material to use is cotton as its soft and easy to handle but now a day more fabric are used like silk, georgette, chiffon and Katan.
Let me tell you the method how the artisans of East World Market make beautiful scarves.
Spice box or Masala ka dabbah
Treasures from East
Spice Box or Masala ka dabbah
Pakistan cuisine has its distinctive flavors .The magic of Pakistani cooking is in the blending of spices. All spices have a particular function in a recipe. While some spices are for aroma, some are for flavor and some give body to your creations. Spice blends differ by region. One factor that influences the blend of spices for each region is the climate. In cold climates there is heavy use of spices that create heat, such as fennel, saffron and ginger powder. To stores these spices in a little box made of stainless steel or copper filled with all kind of spices and use to give Pakistani cuisine its distinctive flavors.
Spice Box or Masala ka dabbah
Pakistan cuisine has its distinctive flavors .The magic of Pakistani cooking is in the blending of spices. All spices have a particular function in a recipe. While some spices are for aroma, some are for flavor and some give body to your creations. Spice blends differ by region. One factor that influences the blend of spices for each region is the climate. In cold climates there is heavy use of spices that create heat, such as fennel, saffron and ginger powder. To stores these spices in a little box made of stainless steel or copper filled with all kind of spices and use to give Pakistani cuisine its distinctive flavors.
Friday, September 2, 2011
jewelry group of EWM artisans
East World Market
Artisans of Jewelry group
Introduction of Pakistani jewelry or called as Zevarats
Pakistan is a land with vast treasure of arts & crafts and jewelry making is one of them. It’s a world of inspiration for the jewelry designs; one can go back to the Indus civilization. From that era the process jewelry making begins with shells, bone &stones then slow they move to bronze, copper, silver& gold.
From the historical background of Pakistan now world can see the beautiful products in gold and silver finely crafted into masterpieces using precious metals and gemstone. Craftsmen are called 'Sunar' and they have their own trade serects and craftsmanship techniques .they also deal in Gemstones and offer different type of metal jewelry. Pakistan has been gifted with abundant resources of several precious and semi-precious gemstones, at present mostly found in Northern Areas and NWFP, but with a huge future potential in Baluchistan. Most important of the currently found stones are emeralds of Mingora (Swat), pink and golden topaz of Katlang (Mardan) and aquamarine of Chitral and Neelam Valley. EWM artisans work on precious gemstone and manufacture all type of gemstone strings (necklaces) or bezel them into silver or gold to making rings, earrings or bangles and bracelets. Since all these artisans live in the mountains range and the raw material of gemstone are easily available to them at an amazing low prices.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Glimpses in the life of Pakistani Women
Glimpses in the life of Pakistani Women
Pakistani Women lives in two different regions i.e. urban and rural
In the urban living in big cities where the women are mostly educated and either take up a job different field or own a business. The Pakistani women of today enjoy a better status however different enlightened groups try to elevate the status of women in Pakistani society by giving training in skill development so they can earn extra money for the betterment of their families. As Women is half of this country's strength. Women are generally hard working, often taking care of the house and children as well as being involved in some type of work outside the house.EWM associates are from big cities but they work with hands and hands with our artisans living in the small villages.
Rural women lives are totally different atmosphere as Pakistan is an agriculture country so rural women also participates in the field work along with their men folk. Then to some women in parts of the world, working with thread has long been centuries old way to share their culture and traditions also life experience, and to earn a living. Weaving and embroidery are two important crafts practiced by Pakistani women. The women create folkloric embroideries of their daily lives and depict images such as harvesting the fields, feasts, and children playing to name just a few. Their embroideries, which can be used as wall hangings or cushion covers are quite heavily worked with stitches. Whole family share the project this means that sometimes a daughter will have to help with the weaving or embroidery work and sometimes a son or husband will do the design work. But the work is slow during the harvest season, religious occasions since they temporarily cease the crafts work.
Pakistani Women lives in two different regions i.e. urban and rural
In the urban living in big cities where the women are mostly educated and either take up a job different field or own a business. The Pakistani women of today enjoy a better status however different enlightened groups try to elevate the status of women in Pakistani society by giving training in skill development so they can earn extra money for the betterment of their families. As Women is half of this country's strength. Women are generally hard working, often taking care of the house and children as well as being involved in some type of work outside the house.EWM associates are from big cities but they work with hands and hands with our artisans living in the small villages.
Rural women lives are totally different atmosphere as Pakistan is an agriculture country so rural women also participates in the field work along with their men folk. Then to some women in parts of the world, working with thread has long been centuries old way to share their culture and traditions also life experience, and to earn a living. Weaving and embroidery are two important crafts practiced by Pakistani women. The women create folkloric embroideries of their daily lives and depict images such as harvesting the fields, feasts, and children playing to name just a few. Their embroideries, which can be used as wall hangings or cushion covers are quite heavily worked with stitches. Whole family share the project this means that sometimes a daughter will have to help with the weaving or embroidery work and sometimes a son or husband will do the design work. But the work is slow during the harvest season, religious occasions since they temporarily cease the crafts work.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Valima dinner party at groom house
Dinner party at groom house
Valima is the last day of the wedding function, held by parents of the boy,they usually host the dinner, announcing the couple as husband and wife. The groom's family invites all of the bride's family and their family and friends to their home for a feast .it can be at a hotel ,house or marriage hall.
the purpose of function is to let bride or bride groom meet the new family and publicize their marriage. Bride wears a typical wedding dress and jewelry and groom wears a formal western suit. It’s more a family affair where the couple introduces each other relatives.
Valima is the last day of the wedding function, held by parents of the boy,they usually host the dinner, announcing the couple as husband and wife. The groom's family invites all of the bride's family and their family and friends to their home for a feast .it can be at a hotel ,house or marriage hall.
the purpose of function is to let bride or bride groom meet the new family and publicize their marriage. Bride wears a typical wedding dress and jewelry and groom wears a formal western suit. It’s more a family affair where the couple introduces each other relatives.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Rukhsati traditional Pakistani wedding
After the barat arrivals and different ceremony like Nikah & dinner take place then finally the Rukhsati time come, the bride leave with groom and family for her new house, she leave under Holy Quran (holy book) held over her head as she leaves her parent house .this is sober occasion for the bride family and specially for her parents as it marks the departure of their daughter to her new home. Traditionally, the groom travels by a decorated horse to the bride's house and after the wedding ceremony takes bride in a doli (cart)to his house. Now days the horse and the cart are replaced by car, it is typical to see a quiet bride with wet eyes as she sits in the car beside her husband leaving for her new home.
The couple bedroom is decorated with fresh flowers and candles and special fruits and goodies trolley is arrange by the groom sisters. on the arrival of bride as a new family member the sisters of groom close the door of the house and ask the brother for money, it’s a fun activities where sisters specially younger one collect money and have party with that money with all cousins or buy a token jewelry.
Once the bride arrives in the house she is offered with special gifts by groom family members and some sweet dish (kheer) is offered to bride & groom. The elder sister in law or sister perform a trick on groom by put the kheer(sweet dish ) on bride palm and ask groom to eat that then move the palm as he come close. Pakistani wedding is more a family affair so everyone enjoy and have fun.
The groom is also played with different tricks by the bride sisters and the cousins, they take a good opportunity to steal the groom's shoes and demand a sum of money for the return. This is a very popular custom and the groom usually carries a lot of cash, due to the popularity of this custom. He pays the money to get back his shoes and the girls divide the money among themselves so they can enjoy with that money later on.
The couple bedroom is decorated with fresh flowers and candles and special fruits and goodies trolley is arrange by the groom sisters. on the arrival of bride as a new family member the sisters of groom close the door of the house and ask the brother for money, it’s a fun activities where sisters specially younger one collect money and have party with that money with all cousins or buy a token jewelry.
Once the bride arrives in the house she is offered with special gifts by groom family members and some sweet dish (kheer) is offered to bride & groom. The elder sister in law or sister perform a trick on groom by put the kheer(sweet dish ) on bride palm and ask groom to eat that then move the palm as he come close. Pakistani wedding is more a family affair so everyone enjoy and have fun.
The groom is also played with different tricks by the bride sisters and the cousins, they take a good opportunity to steal the groom's shoes and demand a sum of money for the return. This is a very popular custom and the groom usually carries a lot of cash, due to the popularity of this custom. He pays the money to get back his shoes and the girls divide the money among themselves so they can enjoy with that money later on.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Barat Wedding
Barat is the procession of the family, relatives, and friends of the groom and they accompany the groom to the bride’s home for the official wedding ceremony. The groom makes his way to the bride's home on a richly decked horse or car and the “barat” follows in different vehicles. Usually they are also accompanied by a band playing wedding songs. The groom is given a warm welcome by the bride’s family with flower garlands and rose petals thrown upon the procession by the bride's sisters, cousins and friends. Families and friends enjoy a wedding ceremony in a marquee well decorated with flowers, candles and well decorated stage for the bride and groom to it and greet all the family and guests.
A Wedding (Shadi) is the bride's reception formally takes place. The event takes place at the bride's house where large wedding tents may be set up in the garden or a nearby place. It has also become very common to hold the event in a marriage hall or hotel. The bride's family is responsible for the reception and arrangements of the day.
A Wedding (Shadi) is the bride's reception formally takes place. The event takes place at the bride's house where large wedding tents may be set up in the garden or a nearby place. It has also become very common to hold the event in a marriage hall or hotel. The bride's family is responsible for the reception and arrangements of the day.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Mehndi ceremony of traditional Pakistani wedding
Mehndi
Mehndi ceremony of henna (rasm-e-henna), usually takes place one or two days prior to the main wedding day. The event is traditionally held separately for the bride and the groom. The henna is symbolically placed on the couple's hands. The groom's friends and family bring along sweets and henna for the bride, and the bride's family does the same for the groom. On the bride's ceremony, the groom normally does not participate and similarly, on the groom's event the bride stays at home. Female guests are sometimes offering application of Mehndi and Bangles sets distributed.
In Punjab traditionally, since there were separate functions for both the bride and the groom, the groom's function was called 'Tael' (oil) where female guests put some oil into the groom's hair. With the ceremony now held simultaneously for both the groom and the bride, the use of the term 'Tael' has diminished greatly. In some cases, the entire ceremony is instead referred to as "Tael Mehndi" (Oil and Henna) ceremony.
The bride normally wears a green dress or yellows/orange for the Henna celebration and uses only shade of light yellow with no make-up. The groom will typically wear a casual Shalwar Kameez In this ceremony many traditional rituals and fun activities take place, like the bride and/or the groom are brought forward in the ceremony under a decorative dupattas hold by their brothers and sisters. In the bridal ceremony, a certain number of married women who are closely related to the bride apply henna to her hands, and feed her sweets. This ritual is supposed to bring good luck and longevity to the bride's married life. Similarly, on the groom's side, Mehndi and oil is applied to his head and sweets are fed to the groom.
A song competition also occurs in the Rasme Henna or Mehndi celebrations between the bride and groom's side. Young women and men will sing teasing songs about the other side (where the bride's side pokes good natured fun at the groom's side and vice versa) and try to compete in this ritual sing song. Sometimes elaborate musical and acting performances are part of the Mehndi celebrations. Many dance sequences and competitions between the bride and groom's families are also quite common these days.
Traditionally, the Mehndi was considered a women's event and men did not participate in it. The sing song etc. was left almost entirely to women. However, this has changed substantially in recent times with males featuring prominently in the Mehndi celebrations as well. A recent trend gaining popularity is to announce a colour theme for the Mehndi whereby guests are supposed to dress up in a particular colour. Commonly used colors are bright reds, oranges and yellows and, purple. So it’s a fun ceremony and both side enjoy and wish to be a happy big family.
Mehndi ceremony of henna (rasm-e-henna), usually takes place one or two days prior to the main wedding day. The event is traditionally held separately for the bride and the groom. The henna is symbolically placed on the couple's hands. The groom's friends and family bring along sweets and henna for the bride, and the bride's family does the same for the groom. On the bride's ceremony, the groom normally does not participate and similarly, on the groom's event the bride stays at home. Female guests are sometimes offering application of Mehndi and Bangles sets distributed.
In Punjab traditionally, since there were separate functions for both the bride and the groom, the groom's function was called 'Tael' (oil) where female guests put some oil into the groom's hair. With the ceremony now held simultaneously for both the groom and the bride, the use of the term 'Tael' has diminished greatly. In some cases, the entire ceremony is instead referred to as "Tael Mehndi" (Oil and Henna) ceremony.
The bride normally wears a green dress or yellows/orange for the Henna celebration and uses only shade of light yellow with no make-up. The groom will typically wear a casual Shalwar Kameez In this ceremony many traditional rituals and fun activities take place, like the bride and/or the groom are brought forward in the ceremony under a decorative dupattas hold by their brothers and sisters. In the bridal ceremony, a certain number of married women who are closely related to the bride apply henna to her hands, and feed her sweets. This ritual is supposed to bring good luck and longevity to the bride's married life. Similarly, on the groom's side, Mehndi and oil is applied to his head and sweets are fed to the groom.
A song competition also occurs in the Rasme Henna or Mehndi celebrations between the bride and groom's side. Young women and men will sing teasing songs about the other side (where the bride's side pokes good natured fun at the groom's side and vice versa) and try to compete in this ritual sing song. Sometimes elaborate musical and acting performances are part of the Mehndi celebrations. Many dance sequences and competitions between the bride and groom's families are also quite common these days.
Traditionally, the Mehndi was considered a women's event and men did not participate in it. The sing song etc. was left almost entirely to women. However, this has changed substantially in recent times with males featuring prominently in the Mehndi celebrations as well. A recent trend gaining popularity is to announce a colour theme for the Mehndi whereby guests are supposed to dress up in a particular colour. Commonly used colors are bright reds, oranges and yellows and, purple. So it’s a fun ceremony and both side enjoy and wish to be a happy big family.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Mayun or Uptan Ceremony
Mayun or Uptan Ceremony
This is the first ceremony in a Pakistan wedding about eight to ten days before the actual wedding the bride enter a state of Mayun which means she will wear a yellow dress and is in seclusion this is the time that the beautification rituals commerce according to tradition the girl or boy family plays an important role in this function girl sisters, mother and friends bring the Uptan decorated tray with a mixture of turmeric, sandalwood powder, herbs and aromatic oils, along with a sweet candy called misri and a band called Allah zamni (money for charity).
First the mother put a little uptans then followed by seven married ladies apply the mixture and offer a misri to the bride ,they also give their blessings by putting some money on her head to remove the nazar(evil eye).(later that money given to charity) During this time the sisters and friends sing folk wedding song playing Dholk.
On each day leading up to the wedding the bride’s friends will apply this paste to her hands & feet so they become soft and smell good. She is stay in the company of her friends and sisters and enjoys all day listen to music as this the time for her to rest and relax her few days at her parent house.
Custom also indicate that at some point during Uptan ceremony a thick strings with bundle of rice wrapped in a beautiful fabric and sew in a shape of flower called a Ganey is tied on the arm of the bride. Same type of the ceremony take place at groom house but his Uptan application is one time only.
This is the first ceremony in a Pakistan wedding about eight to ten days before the actual wedding the bride enter a state of Mayun which means she will wear a yellow dress and is in seclusion this is the time that the beautification rituals commerce according to tradition the girl or boy family plays an important role in this function girl sisters, mother and friends bring the Uptan decorated tray with a mixture of turmeric, sandalwood powder, herbs and aromatic oils, along with a sweet candy called misri and a band called Allah zamni (money for charity).
First the mother put a little uptans then followed by seven married ladies apply the mixture and offer a misri to the bride ,they also give their blessings by putting some money on her head to remove the nazar(evil eye).(later that money given to charity) During this time the sisters and friends sing folk wedding song playing Dholk.
On each day leading up to the wedding the bride’s friends will apply this paste to her hands & feet so they become soft and smell good. She is stay in the company of her friends and sisters and enjoys all day listen to music as this the time for her to rest and relax her few days at her parent house.
Custom also indicate that at some point during Uptan ceremony a thick strings with bundle of rice wrapped in a beautiful fabric and sew in a shape of flower called a Ganey is tied on the arm of the bride. Same type of the ceremony take place at groom house but his Uptan application is one time only.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Milad & Dholki celebration
Milad & Dholki celebration
Traditionally, many days, or even weeks before the actual wedding day, women will gather in the house of the bride or groom in the evening then they read Quran and recite naats.after in night the male members also join the function for dinner and then they to sing and dance while accompanied by playing of Dholk by bride or groom sisters and friends. such more Dholkis function take place ,and will go on as its all fun and celebration for the whole family and friends.
Traditionally, many days, or even weeks before the actual wedding day, women will gather in the house of the bride or groom in the evening then they read Quran and recite naats.after in night the male members also join the function for dinner and then they to sing and dance while accompanied by playing of Dholk by bride or groom sisters and friends. such more Dholkis function take place ,and will go on as its all fun and celebration for the whole family and friends.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Mangni or Engagement first ceremony
In a typical arranged wedding the first ceremony is a proposal party at bride’s house, where the groom's parents and family elders formally ask the bride's parents for her hand in marriage. The families offer special prayer for the new couple then tea and refreshments are served. Sometime as a family tradition, the bride may be gifted with an jewelry or a dress and the groom were also presented with same type of gifts.
Then come the formal ceremony to mark the engagement of the couple called as An engagement (Mangni) It is usually a small ceremony that takes place in the presence of a few close members of would-be bride's & groom’s families. Rings and Jora (dress) are exchanged between the two families. Traditionally, the bride and the groom were not seated together and the rings are placed on the bride's finger by the groom's mother or sister and specail garlands are given to the bride with a bites of sweet offer to her by seven married women in the groom family. In recent years however, segregated functions have become a rarity and rings are usually exchanged between the couple.
Special prayer and blessings for the couple are then recited and the wedding date is also decided by the elders.
Then come the formal ceremony to mark the engagement of the couple called as An engagement (Mangni) It is usually a small ceremony that takes place in the presence of a few close members of would-be bride's & groom’s families. Rings and Jora (dress) are exchanged between the two families. Traditionally, the bride and the groom were not seated together and the rings are placed on the bride's finger by the groom's mother or sister and specail garlands are given to the bride with a bites of sweet offer to her by seven married women in the groom family. In recent years however, segregated functions have become a rarity and rings are usually exchanged between the couple.
Special prayer and blessings for the couple are then recited and the wedding date is also decided by the elders.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
traditional Pakistani wedding
Traditional Pakistani Wedding Customs
Marriages in Pakistan are celebrated with a great deal of fervor, pomp and style hence it has evolved in an occasion of absolute glitz glance. As a result elaborate planning and preparation needs to be put in to fulfill every girl’s lifelong dream of being married in the most memorable and spectacular way possible.
Marriage in Islam in both a solemn part that is to be respected by two partners also an act of devotion to God. A Nikah is performed that is an Islamic official wedding ceremony that usually takes place at the bride’s home. Nikah is attended by close family members, relatives, and friends of groom and bride. The marriage contract (nikah-naama) is registered with city government, it’s containing several terms and conditions that are to be respected by the bride and groom. It can include the bride’s right to divorce her husband, Nikah-naama specifies Mehr, the monetary amount the groom will give the bride. The Mehr guarantees the bride's freedom within the marriage, and acts as the bride's safety net.
The fathers of groom and bride (waris) act as witnesses to the wedding or the senior male, brother or uncle performs the ceremony. An Islamic clerk (called maulana or maulvi in Urdu) reads the prophetic sermon for marriage which also consists of selected verses from the Quran and waits for the Ijab-e-Qubul (proposal and acceptance) of wedding. Usually, the groom's side makes proposal and the bride's side conveys her assent. Maulvi and witnesses (gavah) take the nikah-naama to the bride and read it to her aloud. She accepts the nikah-naama saying "qabool kiya," and signs it. The nikah-naama is then taken to the groom and reads aloud to him. He also accepts saying "qabool kiya" and signs the document. The maulvi and witnesses all sign the nikah-naama contract and the wedding becomes legalAfter the wedding is legally announced, part favor filled with dates and misri are served from the groom's family. The groom is then escorted to his bride for further ceremonies. .
Arranged marriages have been an integral part of Pakistani society for years and are still prevalent. Marriages are often arranged within the family or within the same tribe however nowadays, love marriages are slowly becoming more common and acceptable in Pakistan. Arranged marriages in Pakistan often take long periods of time to finalize. The time from preparation until wedding day may be more than a year. When the wedding date approaches, all close relatives are invited for a typical Pakistani wedding that requires a considerable budget in order to accommodate them. In some cases, wedding dates are even postponed until the important relatives are able to arrive to the location of the reception from abroad. The wedding customs and celebrations also differ significantly depending on the geographical location as well as the families involved. However, a typical Pakistani wedding has at least three main customs involving the Mehndi or Henna ceremony (Rasme Henna), the vows or the Nikah which is a part of the actual wedding or Shadi ceremony and a Valima offered by the groom's family.
Marriages in Pakistan are celebrated with a great deal of fervor, pomp and style hence it has evolved in an occasion of absolute glitz glance. As a result elaborate planning and preparation needs to be put in to fulfill every girl’s lifelong dream of being married in the most memorable and spectacular way possible.
Marriage in Islam in both a solemn part that is to be respected by two partners also an act of devotion to God. A Nikah is performed that is an Islamic official wedding ceremony that usually takes place at the bride’s home. Nikah is attended by close family members, relatives, and friends of groom and bride. The marriage contract (nikah-naama) is registered with city government, it’s containing several terms and conditions that are to be respected by the bride and groom. It can include the bride’s right to divorce her husband, Nikah-naama specifies Mehr, the monetary amount the groom will give the bride. The Mehr guarantees the bride's freedom within the marriage, and acts as the bride's safety net.
The fathers of groom and bride (waris) act as witnesses to the wedding or the senior male, brother or uncle performs the ceremony. An Islamic clerk (called maulana or maulvi in Urdu) reads the prophetic sermon for marriage which also consists of selected verses from the Quran and waits for the Ijab-e-Qubul (proposal and acceptance) of wedding. Usually, the groom's side makes proposal and the bride's side conveys her assent. Maulvi and witnesses (gavah) take the nikah-naama to the bride and read it to her aloud. She accepts the nikah-naama saying "qabool kiya," and signs it. The nikah-naama is then taken to the groom and reads aloud to him. He also accepts saying "qabool kiya" and signs the document. The maulvi and witnesses all sign the nikah-naama contract and the wedding becomes legalAfter the wedding is legally announced, part favor filled with dates and misri are served from the groom's family. The groom is then escorted to his bride for further ceremonies. .
Arranged marriages have been an integral part of Pakistani society for years and are still prevalent. Marriages are often arranged within the family or within the same tribe however nowadays, love marriages are slowly becoming more common and acceptable in Pakistan. Arranged marriages in Pakistan often take long periods of time to finalize. The time from preparation until wedding day may be more than a year. When the wedding date approaches, all close relatives are invited for a typical Pakistani wedding that requires a considerable budget in order to accommodate them. In some cases, wedding dates are even postponed until the important relatives are able to arrive to the location of the reception from abroad. The wedding customs and celebrations also differ significantly depending on the geographical location as well as the families involved. However, a typical Pakistani wedding has at least three main customs involving the Mehndi or Henna ceremony (Rasme Henna), the vows or the Nikah which is a part of the actual wedding or Shadi ceremony and a Valima offered by the groom's family.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Tea (Chai Culture)
Tea as its call in Urdu CHAI is traditional beverage in Pakistan and people are addict to this in such a extent that a day start with cup of tea, in a average family morning and evening tea is a must some family even drink tea after every meal. Whenever a guest arrives it’s a family tradition to offer hot tea with snack like biscuits, Samosas. Pakistanis are very hospitable by nature and love to entertain guest to their best. It’s a saying that best tea you get is at the trucks stand on the heavy way and they are called Chai Dhabas.
We are talking about chai culture so let me give some detail that the most basic form of chai is the black tea with milk and sugar. So we can say that There is no fixed recipe or preparation method for black chai and many families have their own special versions of the tea which make good blend but the key to make good black tea is to leave the tea leaves or mixture in the hot/boiling water long enough to get the flavor of the tea but not too long. Excessive exposure of tea to heat will release the bitter tannins in the tea leaves. Brewing the tea is a secret to make good tea so always use a teapot to brew the tea. Now day’s people are too busy and usually use teas bags but tea leaves have its own flavor. In my family tea time is very special as it’s the time we share each other company and discussion on different topics is a routine of the day.
There are many type of tea variations come to the table of Pakistani like Doodh patti chai or Pakki chai,Sulimain chai or Masala wali Chai,adhiya means half milk and water,subz(green )chai, Ginger(Adrak wali)chai,Qehwa & Kashmir chai. Let me share my family recipes for different type of teas
Doodh Patti Chai
21/2 cup of milk
2teaspoon tea leaves
2pieces of Cardamoms (choti illachi or green illachi)
Sugar to taste
Method: boil the milk on low flame then while boiling put the tea leaves and let it simmer by adding the cardamom which give a good aroma ,stir it a little and allow to brew a little then strained the tea leaves and pour in a mug or teacup and enjoy with rusks called in Urdu papa.
Green tea has a different kind of leaves from black tea it’s usually served after meal. But green tea you simply add leaves to hot boiling water and simmer a little then add lemon or sugar to it and drink hot.
Adrak Chai or Ginger chai
It’s good for stomach aches and usually given to children when they are sick.
1/2inch piece of gingercrushed,3teaspoon tea leaves,1/2teaspoon aniseed(snouf)!tablespoon basil leaves(tulsi ke patti)2/3cup milk,11/2cup water, sugar to taste,
Put water in a small pot on medium heat add ginger, basil, aniseed .bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes with pot partially covered. Add the sugar, tea and milk to the mixture .boil a little then remove from heat strain and serve hot.
Kashmiri Chai, it’s a pink milk tea with pistachios and almond on top .mostly served in wedding or during winter season.
Method for preparation
1tablespoon green tea
4cups water
4ilachi or cardamom
Baking soda pinch
1/2litre milk
Sugar to taste
heat the water with green tea leaves until only two cups left in the pan add one cup of water more and keep boiling until it turn pink color add illachi and soda and simmer a little then remove from heat ,use a strainer and strains the tea water keep a side. In a separate pan heat milk mix the water mixture together and simmer a little then add pista and badam(almond)on top of your cups and serve hot.(tip the mixture of tea is pour into one mug to another mug many times as this will enhance the taste)
Masala wali Chai
11/2 cup water
11/2inch stick of cinnamon
8 cardamoms (choti illachi/green one)
6whole cloves
1/4fresh ginger root or 1/4tsp ginger powder
2/3cup of milk
6teaspoon sugar
3tsp of tea leaves (chai ke Patti)
Simmer water with all the spices for 10 minutes on slow heat then add milk, sugar and tea leaves and simmer again for five minutes remove from heat and strain the tea chai and enjoy but be careful as it very hot cup of tea.
We are talking about chai culture so let me give some detail that the most basic form of chai is the black tea with milk and sugar. So we can say that There is no fixed recipe or preparation method for black chai and many families have their own special versions of the tea which make good blend but the key to make good black tea is to leave the tea leaves or mixture in the hot/boiling water long enough to get the flavor of the tea but not too long. Excessive exposure of tea to heat will release the bitter tannins in the tea leaves. Brewing the tea is a secret to make good tea so always use a teapot to brew the tea. Now day’s people are too busy and usually use teas bags but tea leaves have its own flavor. In my family tea time is very special as it’s the time we share each other company and discussion on different topics is a routine of the day.
There are many type of tea variations come to the table of Pakistani like Doodh patti chai or Pakki chai,Sulimain chai or Masala wali Chai,adhiya means half milk and water,subz(green )chai, Ginger(Adrak wali)chai,Qehwa & Kashmir chai. Let me share my family recipes for different type of teas
Doodh Patti Chai
21/2 cup of milk
2teaspoon tea leaves
2pieces of Cardamoms (choti illachi or green illachi)
Sugar to taste
Method: boil the milk on low flame then while boiling put the tea leaves and let it simmer by adding the cardamom which give a good aroma ,stir it a little and allow to brew a little then strained the tea leaves and pour in a mug or teacup and enjoy with rusks called in Urdu papa.
Green tea has a different kind of leaves from black tea it’s usually served after meal. But green tea you simply add leaves to hot boiling water and simmer a little then add lemon or sugar to it and drink hot.
Adrak Chai or Ginger chai
It’s good for stomach aches and usually given to children when they are sick.
1/2inch piece of gingercrushed,3teaspoon tea leaves,1/2teaspoon aniseed(snouf)!tablespoon basil leaves(tulsi ke patti)2/3cup milk,11/2cup water, sugar to taste,
Put water in a small pot on medium heat add ginger, basil, aniseed .bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes with pot partially covered. Add the sugar, tea and milk to the mixture .boil a little then remove from heat strain and serve hot.
Kashmiri Chai, it’s a pink milk tea with pistachios and almond on top .mostly served in wedding or during winter season.
Method for preparation
1tablespoon green tea
4cups water
4ilachi or cardamom
Baking soda pinch
1/2litre milk
Sugar to taste
heat the water with green tea leaves until only two cups left in the pan add one cup of water more and keep boiling until it turn pink color add illachi and soda and simmer a little then remove from heat ,use a strainer and strains the tea water keep a side. In a separate pan heat milk mix the water mixture together and simmer a little then add pista and badam(almond)on top of your cups and serve hot.(tip the mixture of tea is pour into one mug to another mug many times as this will enhance the taste)
Masala wali Chai
11/2 cup water
11/2inch stick of cinnamon
8 cardamoms (choti illachi/green one)
6whole cloves
1/4fresh ginger root or 1/4tsp ginger powder
2/3cup of milk
6teaspoon sugar
3tsp of tea leaves (chai ke Patti)
Simmer water with all the spices for 10 minutes on slow heat then add milk, sugar and tea leaves and simmer again for five minutes remove from heat and strain the tea chai and enjoy but be careful as it very hot cup of tea.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Glass Bangles
Glass Bangles (or as called Churiya in Urdu) or jewels on the wrist
Oh! What a beautiful adornment!
Bangles are a part of Pakistani women lives because they allow people to express their personality, individuality, and creativity. For centuries, women throughout Pakistan have been wearing bangles as decorative ornaments. Consequently, bangles have come to hold great cultural and historical significance. In Pakistan, many traditional ceremonies connect with bangles like woman wear symbolize their happy marriage and are called suhagan then there are bangles for brides which are presented by bride groom side and they are beautifully crafted in red color with golden pattern. Red bangles wear by the bride at the time of the wedding is considered auspicious also on the wedding of a girl her sisters distribute set of green or yellow bangles to all the ladies guest on her Mehndi, her last day at parents house where many guest were invited for dinner and then they put henna on her hand and offer her sweet candies .a lot of fun and singing and dancing take place.
Glass bangles make a sound like chuunn with each movement of the wearer wrist. Glass bangles have bewildered women from ages with their shimmering sparkles, tinkling sound, innovative patterns and magnificent colors. In olden days they were part of nobility but now these ornaments have become very popular with women of all ages. The romance connected with chooree kee chankaar (sound of the bangle) has not only been an integral part of eastern heritage but is now a part of all festive occasions in eastern culture. Evidence of Indus Civilization portrays bangles adoring the wrists of prehistoric women. Bangles have been found in many archaeological sites in Pakistan, with the oldest examples dating back to 2,000 B.C. or earlier. Those early bangles were usually made from copper, bronze, agate, or shell.
Now let me take you to our artisans’ world and see how these bangles are made although these days a variety of materials are used, in different designs, shape and color. They can be plastic, glass, silver with stones and wooden bangles. In semi-precious or precious metal form, bangles are often metal, silver and even gold. The most durable of bangles are gold. Glass bangles are the least durable, and may break with careless handing. Because of this, many women prefer gold bangles for everyday wear, and reserve glass bangles for special occasions.
As bangles are very fascinating with the intricate and colorful design, but do you know how these bangles are made?? Here we shall discuss the interesting yet complex process of making glass bangles with Salima (artisan). As she mentions that the process of Making Glass Bangles is a very tremendous work as raw glass for bangles is of the same material as prepared for other glassware, which is taken out of the furnace through the pipes. Without removing the pipes, the molten glass is beaten to make its dimensions equal. After this, the glass with the pipe is placed in another furnace which has an automated roller. When this molten glass comes in contact with the roller, it starts stretching like a thread and rolls around it. In this process a spring of glass is formed. To make separate bangles, this spring is then cut with the help of a cutter of diamond. But, at this stage, these bangles have two ends, which need to be joined. Usually, this job is taken up by separate units. The open ended bangles are given to the team of workers for the joining process. Traditionally, this process of joining of bangles is termed as 'Judai'. Workers doing joining or Judai use simple chimney of kerosene connected with the air input, generated by simple air compressor, locally known as 'Pankha'. In one unit, as many as 15 to 20 chimneys are connected with one air compressor. The joined bangles pass through another process popularly known as 'Sadhai'. In this process, joints of bangles are made to look neat and straight. Here, the glass is made to melt. The application of little pressure joins both the ends. The job of sadhai is usually accomplished by women workers. It may be noted that a large number of people are engaged with the work of Judai and Sadhai of bangles to earn their livelihood. This elegant beauty in a range of colors, styles come with different decorations. Then each bangle is hand decorated with different pattern and special glitter and paints are used. So in short once the bangles, in various shapes and sizes, have been crafted by the men, they are embellished with shiny artificial stones, beads, and glass fragments in colorful patterns by the women.
Glass bangles are unique & beautiful also they are easy in maintenance, and every woman can afford them and can create personal style statement. In Pakistan the city of Hyderabad is very famous for bangle making a whole industry flourishes there and provide living hood to many artisans.
Oh! What a beautiful adornment!
Bangles are a part of Pakistani women lives because they allow people to express their personality, individuality, and creativity. For centuries, women throughout Pakistan have been wearing bangles as decorative ornaments. Consequently, bangles have come to hold great cultural and historical significance. In Pakistan, many traditional ceremonies connect with bangles like woman wear symbolize their happy marriage and are called suhagan then there are bangles for brides which are presented by bride groom side and they are beautifully crafted in red color with golden pattern. Red bangles wear by the bride at the time of the wedding is considered auspicious also on the wedding of a girl her sisters distribute set of green or yellow bangles to all the ladies guest on her Mehndi, her last day at parents house where many guest were invited for dinner and then they put henna on her hand and offer her sweet candies .a lot of fun and singing and dancing take place.
Glass bangles make a sound like chuunn with each movement of the wearer wrist. Glass bangles have bewildered women from ages with their shimmering sparkles, tinkling sound, innovative patterns and magnificent colors. In olden days they were part of nobility but now these ornaments have become very popular with women of all ages. The romance connected with chooree kee chankaar (sound of the bangle) has not only been an integral part of eastern heritage but is now a part of all festive occasions in eastern culture. Evidence of Indus Civilization portrays bangles adoring the wrists of prehistoric women. Bangles have been found in many archaeological sites in Pakistan, with the oldest examples dating back to 2,000 B.C. or earlier. Those early bangles were usually made from copper, bronze, agate, or shell.
Now let me take you to our artisans’ world and see how these bangles are made although these days a variety of materials are used, in different designs, shape and color. They can be plastic, glass, silver with stones and wooden bangles. In semi-precious or precious metal form, bangles are often metal, silver and even gold. The most durable of bangles are gold. Glass bangles are the least durable, and may break with careless handing. Because of this, many women prefer gold bangles for everyday wear, and reserve glass bangles for special occasions.
As bangles are very fascinating with the intricate and colorful design, but do you know how these bangles are made?? Here we shall discuss the interesting yet complex process of making glass bangles with Salima (artisan). As she mentions that the process of Making Glass Bangles is a very tremendous work as raw glass for bangles is of the same material as prepared for other glassware, which is taken out of the furnace through the pipes. Without removing the pipes, the molten glass is beaten to make its dimensions equal. After this, the glass with the pipe is placed in another furnace which has an automated roller. When this molten glass comes in contact with the roller, it starts stretching like a thread and rolls around it. In this process a spring of glass is formed. To make separate bangles, this spring is then cut with the help of a cutter of diamond. But, at this stage, these bangles have two ends, which need to be joined. Usually, this job is taken up by separate units. The open ended bangles are given to the team of workers for the joining process. Traditionally, this process of joining of bangles is termed as 'Judai'. Workers doing joining or Judai use simple chimney of kerosene connected with the air input, generated by simple air compressor, locally known as 'Pankha'. In one unit, as many as 15 to 20 chimneys are connected with one air compressor. The joined bangles pass through another process popularly known as 'Sadhai'. In this process, joints of bangles are made to look neat and straight. Here, the glass is made to melt. The application of little pressure joins both the ends. The job of sadhai is usually accomplished by women workers. It may be noted that a large number of people are engaged with the work of Judai and Sadhai of bangles to earn their livelihood. This elegant beauty in a range of colors, styles come with different decorations. Then each bangle is hand decorated with different pattern and special glitter and paints are used. So in short once the bangles, in various shapes and sizes, have been crafted by the men, they are embellished with shiny artificial stones, beads, and glass fragments in colorful patterns by the women.
Glass bangles are unique & beautiful also they are easy in maintenance, and every woman can afford them and can create personal style statement. In Pakistan the city of Hyderabad is very famous for bangle making a whole industry flourishes there and provide living hood to many artisans.
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