The ancient Indian art of natural dyeing is getting a new address right here in the State.

Turmeric, sappan wood (pathimukham), henna (mailanji), indigo (neelayamari), teak leaf, madder root (manjishtha), flowers such as marigold (chendumalli) and ‘shanghupushpam,’ and tea and coffee powder will all lend colour to 100% organic cloth used for the Kudumbashree mission’s premium clothing line ‘Triband’ that will be launched commercially this Onam.

As the label ‘Triband’ suggests, nearly 20 members of a Kudumbashree auxiliary unit in the tribal regions of Parambikulam and Thalikallu in Palakkad district will use vibrant dyes extracted from natural resources around them – leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots – and apply these to fabric to create patterns that are unique and reflect the natural beauty of the landscape.

The initiative is intended to promote sustainable fashion and thereby provide a sustainable livelihood to the tribespeople, says S. Shanavas, State programme officer, the Kudumbashree’s Farm Livelihood vertical.

Mr. Shanavas says that the initiative is aimed at providing livelihood opportunities to the tribespeople. The Kudumbashree contacted the Kerala State Institute of Design in Kollam to train the tribespeople in dyeing technology, which was acquired from the CSIR-CFTRI in Mysuru for extracting colour from plant material.

Young tribespeople in the 25-35 age group were formed into a group and given training in dyeing natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk, and jute by Caroline Baby, associate professor at the Kerala State Institute of Design. Soothing blues, earthy reds, and brilliant yellows obtained from natural dyes were fixed on white cloth, on their own and in various combinations, without using chemicals. Facilities and machinery for the same were provided by the Kudumbashree. Then, apparel for women, men, and children was stitched using the dyed cloth, says Mr. Shanavas.

Triband was launched at the inauguration of the Kudumbashree’s K-INAM in Kochi in January.

For Onam, the Kudumbashree plans to ready apparel for women, men, and children made using the dyed premium cloth as per orders. Stitching machines have been provided to the tribespeople.

Underscoring the premium quality of Triband apparel, Mr. Shanavas says each will be unique since it will reflect the beauty of the Parambikulam forests and the culture of the tribal people. The themes and the colours used for the brand would also vary.

The Kudumbashree plans to increase the number of units involved in the production of apparel under Triband. It is also considering making dress material available. Direct sales are planned since it is a premium brand, besides online sales at a later stage. Orders will be taken for customisation, says Mr. Shanavas.

The Kudumbashree plans to extend production under Triband to Idukki by Onam.