In the homes of Kutch, Kathiawad and far western Rajasthan embossed geometric patterns are made using organic material and mirror is inlaid into the design. The final visual effect mimics the abla-embroidered textiles of the region.

Every evening, as a wick lamp is lit in front of the house deity, these mud-plastered huts get transformed into tiny sheesh mahals of the countryside. And this aesthetic beauty is not always separate from spiritual awareness. As one flame multiplies into many, the Hindu housewife might be hearing the distant echo of ekohambahusyam – I am one who becomes many.

Image Courtesy: Diedi von Schaewen