11/06/2026
My Indigo Journey
Vankar Chetan
My journey with indigo is not just my own story; it is part of a family tradition. The indigo dyeing practice in our workshop was first started by my elder uncle, Devjibhai. He established three 60-liter indigo vats, and during those early years, I worked alongside him as a helper.
My responsibilities included adding ingredients to the vats, maintaining the pH levels, monitoring the condition of the vats, and assisting with the dyeing process. Through these daily tasks, I gradually began to understand the living nature of indigo. I spent nearly three to four years working with the 60-liter vats, learning the fundamentals of vat maintenance, dye preparation, and the subtle behavior of indigo.
After gaining this experience, I took a major step forward and began working with a 500-liter indigo vat. The transition was a significant challenge. At that time, the vat was located outdoors, without protective walls or a roof. Managing such a large vat while dealing with changing weather conditions, temperature fluctuations, and environmental factors required constant attention and patience.
I spent nearly six to seven years learning how to maintain and manage large-scale indigo vats effectively. There were many challenges along the way. Sometimes the vat would weaken, and sometimes the dyeing results were not as expected. Each challenge became a lesson, helping me better understand the complex relationship between indigo, environment, and craftsmanship.
Today, I maintain three 500-liter indigo vats in a dedicated indigo dyeing studio. The studio is protected by walls on all sides and has a proper roof, creating a stable environment for the vats and the dyeing process. This setup allows me to work with greater consistency and confidence.
Whenever I sit in my studio and work with indigo, I often remember those early days spent learning beside my uncle, standing next to the vats as a helper and absorbing knowledge through observation and practice. The journey from assisting with 60-liter vats to managing three 500-liter vats has been a long process of learning, perseverance, and dedication.
