Case study: Delhi Haat
Special features:
Built open relationship:
Case study: Shaam E Sarhad village resort
Concept
The SHAAM E SARHAD VILLAGE RESORT is open from 15th October to 31st March
The Hodka Endogenous Tourism seeks to promote Local Culture and Craft based Tourism for
Sustainable Livelihoods and integrated rural development.
Imagine an authentic and charming retreat Complemented by the unique experience of being
hosted by the local community And the richness of culture that awaits you here.
Designed in local style, and exquisitely decorated with mirror work, textiles and other local crafts,
the Shaam E Sarhad Village Resort is the perfect gateway to a genuine travel experience in India.
The resort is situated in Hodka village, surrounded by an area of impressive natural beauty, an ideal
location from which to discover the captivatin lands of Kutch.
Objectives
-Direct employment
-Promoting Local Handicrafts, Music, Traditional food, life style, through Endogenous
Tourism.
-Give an opportunity to the local people (primary stake holders) to control the process of
tourism in their region.
HODKA VILLAGE
Community
The Hodka village is believed to have been set up by the Halepotra clan. Halepotra literally means
the son or the descendant of Halaji, who is believed to have immigrated from Sindh.
Along with the Halepotra, who are Muslims, the Hindu Meghwals have also settled in Hodka.
The Halepotras belonging to the bigger group called Maldharis, or cattle breeders believe their
ancestors originated from Saudi Arabia and reached Kutch via Iran, Baghdad and Sindh in search
of pastures for their cattle.
The Meghwals- also known as MarwadaMeghwals- believe their ancestors came from Marwar,
Rajasthan. They are traditionally leather craftsmen and settled in Banni which was rich in livestock.
Today there are 8 nokhs (sub castes) of the Meghwal community residing in Hodka.
Arts and Crafts
Creating objects of beauty, using vibrant colors and traditional motifs, forms a significant part in the
lives of the people of Banni. The area is famous for its leather craft and the exquisite embroidery
styles practiced by the women.
When men are away grazing their cattle, women put in almost 19 hours of work daily. Womens
many and varied tasks include fetching water, cooking, tending to the family, making the cattle feed
and deftly creating wondrous pieces of embroidery and art. Their embroidery allows women of
different vas (hamlets) to gather together, work, and socialize.
Traditionally, women created these works of art for their community and for ritual occasions births,
engagements, marriages; now women embroider for these reasons as well as to sell outside.
Embroidery skills and designs are a family tradition and every young girl imbibes these skills from
her mother. Right from her childhood, every girl begins to build up her streedhan (dowry). This
contains a mix of kanjris (long embroidered blouses), quilts and batwas (pouches). The Muslim
Halepotra and Hindu Meghwals each have their own distinctive styles, including mutwa embroidery,
catab, sebha-kudi, chopad, the geometrical kambhira, pakko, mokka, neran, chitki (appliqu), etc.
The Meghwal men practice leather craft. Their products include embroidered mojadis (footwear)
traditionally made for the bride and the bridegroom. Hand fans, mirror frames, wall pieces, and belts
are also made with traditional skill.
ARCHITECTURE
Mud, or, to be more colloquial, Maati, is the essential material to which every Kutchi in Banni relates
to. Centuries of experience have given the people of Banni mastery over maati and their Bhunga
(circular hut) demonstrates a deep understanding of the ecological, social and aesthetic features of
architecture.
The thick maati (Mud) walls, which keep the interior cool during the hot Kutchi summers and warm
in the cold desert winters, terminate in conical roofs made of thatch. The roof protects the walls
which are adorned beautifully with colorful geometric and floral patterns also created from hand
shaped maati.
Women use earth colors to paint the different motifs and create mud-mirror work designs
(LippanKaam ) to decorate the exterior and interior walls of the Bhunga.
The traditional Bhunga is an engineering wonder. This sturdy structure has been known to
withstand severe winds and seismic activity because of its circular design and tough mud plaster.
Categories of Rooms SUITE BHUNGAS(Suite Mud Huts) 03 numbers
ECOFRIENDLY MUD TENTS 06 numbers
QUADRUPLE FAMILY COTTAGES (Four Beds) 02 numbers
STANDARD BHUNGA (Standard HUT) 01 number
How you accommodate Rooming
A Double Bed Bhunga (Mud Hut) occupies One Double Bed and sleeps maximum 2 + 1extra beds.
A Double Bed Ecofriendly Tent occupies One Double Bed and sleeps maximum 2 +1 extra bed.
Case study: Shaam E Sarhad village resort
