Kanakavalli's Varna Sutra series traverses the world of colour on the kanjivaram, turning to shades of red and pink in the Raktha collective. Red is a primary colour, universally powerful and evocative, while also holding great significance in South Indian tradition and ritual. The fiery and feminine hue is associated with the worship of the goddess as well as with wedding ceremonies and bridal trousseaus. On the kanjivaram, the palette encompasses the orange-tinged red of thakkali (tomato), vengayam or delicate onion pink and the bridal favourite, araku (lac), a colour unique to the kanjivaram craft. It also includes kempu (ruby red) and the brilliant pink of pattu roja (garden rose), among many other shades. Drawing inspiration from ingredients in the kitchen, elements of ceremony and the world of nature, the Kanchipuram weaver's nomenclature for these colours is rich in local flavour. Explore the colour of passion on the kanjivaram right here, and read more about the Raktha palette on the blog.