The birth of phulkari

There a lot of theories as to how Phulkari came into practice. Some theories suggest that this craft migrated from Persian art and resembles a Persian embroidery known as 'Gulkari' which also means flower work. Another theory suggests that phulkari was made in the famous Punjabi folklore of Heer and Ranjha written by Waris Shah. 

An imagery of Heer wearing a phulkari dupatta

However, the strongest theory is that this craft was brought by the Jat tribes of east Punjab who were basically peasants who migrated from central Asia. In early days, phulkari was a reflection of the routine and regular life of a Punjabi woman. These women had gained such expertise that they could make even a mediocre phulkari look exquisite. There was full freedom of creativity and the motifs used represented the values of Punjab.

In the past as soon as a girl was born, the mother and grandmother would start embroidering Baghs (a type of phulkari) which were then given to the girl at the time of her marriage. Many folk songs of Punjab also indicate the emotional attachment of a girl with the phulkari given to her by her mother or grandmother or aunts. 

A phulkari chaddar used at the time of marriage

Phulkari still continues to be an integral part of auspicious occasions such as marriage ceremonies and is still synonymous to Punjab and its culture.





References-
1.Embroidery on Indian bridal wear | Phulkari from Punjab N.p., 2017. Web. 17 Jan. 2017.  http://www.marrymeweddings.in/wpblog/embroidery-on-indian-bridal-wear-phulkari-from-punjab.html

2. Pedia, Team. "Phulkari: Traditional Embroidery From Punjab | Utsavpedia". Utsavpedia. N.p., 2017. Web. 17 Jan. 2017.