Exploring The Fabric Of Heritage

Designer Ritu Seksaria, the owner of multi-designer store Vyoum in Mumbai, gives credit to her mother and her ancestral village in Rajasthan for being the inspiration behind her journey of self discovery. In a first-person account, Seksaria takes MARWAR through the years.

I have grown up with the privilege of experiencing two of India’s most glorious cultures that are known for their rich heritage—Bengali and Rajasthani. My great grandfather moved to Kolkata (then Calcutta) from Mandawa in Rajasthan in the early 1950s, but we continue to value our strong connection with Mandawa.

Mandawa is a great source of inspiration for all my bridal outfits, as they signify a celebration of life translated through the rich, vibrant colours of the local landscape. My hometown Kolkata, on the other hand, makes me who I am. The city has given me my most cherished friends and gifted me memories of a carefree yet secure life spent with my grandparents, parents and siblings.

Exploring my roots

A family trip to Mandawa at the age of 16 changed me forever. The hospitality of the villagers was heartwarming and t grandiose haveli, the architecture of the temple, the craftsmanship of local tailo the colours and intricacies of the design the polki and jadau jewellery and the ra smell of earth left me spellbound.

These memories linger fresh in my mind. I still remember opening the window of our haveli and seeing the peacocks dance outside. As a child I had felt that even the peacocks were welcoming us back home with their dance. The ancestral haveli is now a tourist destination, open for public, offering everyone a chance to experience our rich heritage.

My Strength

My strength A strong work ethic is passed on through generations in Marwari women and it was inculcated in us from a very young age. We are not only capable of running households efficiently and care for our families, but are also industrious, as many run small enterprises from home.