Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva and the holy Ganga, is known around the world for its rich culture. People have been following their traditions and passing them on from generation to generation. There are colonies of craftsmen in Banaras for crafts like Gulabi Meenakari, Panja Dari, Chunar Red Clay Pottery, Hand Block Printing, Wooden Craft, and many more.

Khojwan is one of them, a suburban neighbourhood located in the south of Varanasi district (Uttar Pradesh). Khojwan is the place for the making of wooden crafts, including Sindoora.

I had seen Sindoora for the first time in the hands of a newly married lady at Ganga Ghat in Banaras. She was worshipping her Sindoora and praying to Ganga Maa for her ‘Suhaag’ (husband). And that’s how I got interested in learning about these beautiful wooden vessels. This project gave me the opportunity to look into the details and the value of these wooden vessels. And how this craft plays an important role in people’s life.