A visit to Bhuj

I made a brief visit to Kutch before Christmas.  The main objective was to see the Kala Raksha Vidhyalaya (design school) and the end of year degree show.  Students put on a fantastic fashion show using professional models.  This was out in the open, well-lit and filmed.  The real surprise was that both the 500 MW power stations are now complete and operating. 
Power stationCompare this picture with page 65 of the book; the pastoral foreground has not changed for centuries but beyond the palm is a new road leading to Tata’s coal-fired power station.  The pervasive fumes soon tickle throats. There was a Mela on the day after which gave visitors the chance to learn more about the textiles, techniques and chat with students including many Rabari women.

Much work has been done to the Aina Mahal.  There is excellent new lighting in the once gloomy corridors and many paintings have been professionally cleaned.  Even the Prag Mahal has been reopened to the public.

 

 

A walk down Saraf Bazaar revealed that the lady owner of Senorita (p53) has sadly died last year but an old friend keeps the shop going.