Shree Raja Ram Darbar Rogan Painting by Ashish Kansara
Bhuj, Tuesday, 03 January 2024, Gujarat Samachar Daily Newspaper
The construction of Lord Ram’s temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya is currently underway, with the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony scheduled to be celebrated this month. A unique enthusiasm to celebrate this festival like Diwali is visible across the entire country. This wave of excitement has also spread to Kutch. An artisan residing in Madhapar near Bhuj has created a replica of Shri Ram Darbar using Rogan art, holding a deep desire that it finds a place in Ayodhya.
Artisan Providing Free Training to Keep the Age-Old Rogan Art Alive
Rogan painting is an age-old art form. Decades ago, innovative and diverse designs were created on sarees and chaniyas using Rogan painting, which women wore during festivals and special occasions. However, with changing times, clothing preferences evolved, and this art form gradually reached the brink of extinction. Today, Rogan art is primarily used for making wall pieces and home decor items. When foreigners visit Kutch, they make it a point to observe and purchase Rogan art pieces.
Rogan Artist Ashish Kansara
Ashish Kansara, a Rogan art artisan residing in Madhapar near Bhuj, has taken initiatives to preserve this fading art form. In Rogan art, castor oil is boiled continuously for two days, and vegetable-based colors are added to it. Following this process, the colors become thick and shiny. To draw patterns on cloth with these colors, brushes are not used; instead, a small wooden stick (stylus) and the fingertips are utilized.
Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir
The Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir is going to be celebrated in Ayodhya in the near future, and enthusiasm for it is widespread among citizens across the nation. Reflecting this spirit, the artisan from Bhuj has meticulously depicted the Ram Darbar through Rogan art. Creating this detailed portrait is highly challenging, but after three months of hard work, the entire masterpiece was successfully completed.
Ever since the construction of the Ram Mandir began, this artisan held a unique faith towards Ayodhya. The artisan holds a strong wish that this replica of the Ram Darbar finds a place in Ayodhya.
Notably, Rogan art wall pieces prepared by Ashish Kansara have previously found a place at Surat Airport. To ensure that the endangered art of Rogan is revived, he also runs free classes in Rogan art, training students from the absolute basics until they achieve complete proficiency. Efforts are being continuously made by him to keep this extraordinary art form alive.