Pichhaura - Almora
Pichhaura is made on a white color fabric called "Chicken karahi" purchased from Delhi, which is of two fifty meters long. The Pichhaura design is made on different type of clothes as well, which is decided by customer.
Earlier, dye colors were purchased from Delhi but currently colors are available in local market also. Yellow and red are only the two colors used to design the fabric. The red and yellow color together symbolizes enduring conjugal life, health and prosperity.
Yellow color powder is mixed with water. Locally available adhesive is mixed in the solution, so the color sticks to the fabric strongly. The cloth is dipped and soaked in the solution for five minutes. The designs are made while the cloth is still wet, as the color will spread if the cloth is dry.
The design is made using red color solution. 50 paisa coin and gram is tied in a piece of cloth, which is dipped in the red color solution and then design is made on the cloth. Line patterns are made using 50 paisa coins and dot patterns are made using gram (grain type). The design made in the middle of the cloth is called as 'Surya chandra Codi'. The design consists of Surya (Sun God), Chandra (Moon), Ghanti (bell), and shankh (shell) which is considered auspices. Dotted design is covered on the remaining area of the cloth. After the design is made, the cloth is dried in the sun. Once it is dried, golden or silver color lace locally known as 'kiran' is stitched all around in the periphery is stitched.
