Nestled deep in the Kanan Devan Hills of South India is a perfect heaven for nature lovers. Here, gently rolling hills are shrouded in delicate mist and lush forests are ablaze with the exuberant colours of natures. The salubrious climate creates an environment that allows diverse flora and fauna to thrive, endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr live undisturbed and rare flowers like the Kurinji bloom. This is the birthplace of Aranya Natural Dye Project.

The Many Shades of Courage
While Aranya Natural dyes are undoubtedly, a gift of nature, it is also a tribute to the human spirit. The project has the support of Tata Global Beverages Limited (TGBL), which is today, the largest integrated tea company in the world.

Behind the success of Aranya, are physically challenged young adults, from the families of estate workers. These young people are educated and rehabilitated at a Vocational Training Centre managed by the women of Munnar. These young wards have shown exemplary determination in their endeavour to achieve economic self-sufficiency through projects like Aranya.

Nature, in all her bountiful diversity, has been both our constant source of inspiration and our greatest strength. The raw materials we use are exclusively natural. Whether it be leaves, petals, roots, bark, seeds or sawdust. The virgin forests of Munnar offer an inexhaustible supply of natural resources like Eucalyptus and Mulberry Leaves, Nilgiri Kozha, Lemon Grass and Pine Cones. Aranya makes use of numerous other raw materials, notable among which are Arjun, Goran, Pomegranate, Catechu, Jackfruit. Myrabolan, Henna and the King of natural dyes – Indigo. We also use tea waste from the local tea factories.

Not just this, the enthusiastic young adults at Aranya regularly explore the region for new foliage. This constantly adds to our repertoire of unusual colours that can perhaps, never be found anywhere else.

At Aranya, we consider every leaf, every tiny seed, and every blossom, to be a precious gift of nature. Hence, flowers and leaves are never plucked. And trees are never mutilated. All this, to ensure the delicate nature of balance remains undisturbed.

At Aranya, we have a natural tapestry of infinite variety and colour to choose from. Judicious selection of the finest raw materials paves the way for an end product that is truly outstanding. In fact, quality is not another watchword for us. It is an entire process.

It begins much before the young adults of Aranya actually get to work at the dye house. They undergo intensive training in each and every step of the process. They imbibe the finest nuances and hone their skills to perfection. Meticulous attention to detail characterizes the work ethic at Aranya. The dye is extracted under the watchful supervision of experts, ensuring rich, natural hues. All yarn and yardage are carefully weighed. And specific proportions are strictly adhered to.

The yarn and yardage are degummed and treated with harmless mordants for total colour fastness. Dyed and washed in pure water drawn from mountain streams to remove any excess colours.

The obsession with creating true-to-life colours extends even to the choice of water. Only Munnar’s natural, unpolluted streams offer a plentiful supply of sparkling, chemical free and crystal-clear water. This helps create colours of luster, depth and richness, not seen in any urban environment.

The extreme care taken during the process results in top-notch products, that consistently meet the needs of quality conscious buyers around the world.

At Aranya, every day brings fresh excitement. Once the yard and yardage are dyed, talent takes wing and the imagination soars. The young adults of Aranya produce a range of fascinating designs on naturally dyed fabric. They experiment with patterns and new weaves. It almost seems like new colours and designs are born every other day. Today, our range of colours and designs are a source of enormous pride.

The infusion of designs and techniques used at Aranya creates colours of rich tonal variation. These results, achieved through block printing, meticulous wax printing, mordant printing, shibori and the intricate tie-and-dye process, stand testimony to the expertise and skill of the workers.

There are bold and ethnic printed designs, tie-and-dye fabrics in intricate patterns, delicate weaves, premium quality silks in soft, lustrous hues, cotton and silk yarn in warm, earthy tones, and much, much more.

In just 10 years, Aranya has grown at a phenomenal pace. Flair and refinement have found expression in a magical array of products, earning the appreciation of discerning clientele around the world. But behind it all, lies the grit and determination of a young band of workers that have risen above their helplessness and against the odds. Indeed, the success of Aranya owes everything to these young workers. Each and every product mirrors their personal involvement and dedication. It adds colour to their lives and brings joy and prosperity to their own.

Come, experience the magic of Aranya. And watch the living colours from nature unfold before your eyes.