WHO MADE MY JAPA MALA?

 

Rishikesh, India.

Rishikesh, India.

IT ALL STARTED WHEN…

At the foothills of the Himalayas lies Rishikesh, a pilgrimage town and regarded as one of the holiest places on earth. Situated on the right bank of the Ganges, where the life-force river leaves the Shivalik Hills in the Himalayas and flows into the plains of Northern India. Several temples, ancient and new, are along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh and Hindu sages and saints have visited Rishikesh since ancient times to meditate in search of higher knowledge. It is a magnet for yogis and spiritual seekers.

Surrounded by forested hills, Rishikesh is conducive to meditation and mind expansion, connecting to the surrounding elements. In the evening, an almost supernatural breeze blows down the valley, setting temple bells ringing as Sadhus ('holy' men), pilgrims and tourists prepare for the nightly ganga aarti (river worship ceremony) on the sacred river than runs through India, The Ganges. It is here the river begins, as the water from the Himalayas cascades.

River Worship Ceremony

River Worship Ceremony

Our beautiful malas are individually handmade by talented artisan women, who craft each mala using a hand-knotting technique passed down through generations. Each stone is selected for it’s beautiful properties and quality as each is knotted on with any metal work also handcrafted, plated or set and threaded.

 


When approached to collaborate and help these women to build their business, we had many questions, but of course to empower them and give them work - we wanted to help. Nestled in the mountains behind the city is where our ladies live and work. They have been making mala beads for tourists and yogis for many years. Working from their village homes, where the ladies can sit together, whilst many are busy raising children, they can support their families and make as much as their husbands alongside their family duties, by paying a fair wage, helping to keep their techniques alive, supported by their beautiful work... click here to know Who made my japa mala.

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