Traditional Bandhani prints are the unique feature of shawls from Gujarat in India. Bandhani is a from of tie-resist dyeing and is one of the most widely accepted and traditional methods of printing shawls in India. Bandhni is now considered as the method of tying the fabric, and then dyeing it. The number of ties and the colors used indicate the complexity involved in the the work.

Technique Used:
Also known as Bandhej, Bandhani is the name of the tie and dye technique used commonly in Gujarat. The fabric is tied at several places with the help of a thread, in such a way that some pattern is made. After the tying is done, the fabric is dipped in the desired color. When it is completely dried, the ties are opened and the colorful designs come to reality. The threads prevent the tied area from absorbing the color and hence the desired pattern is obtained.

The basic raw materials used for bandhani are wool, ordinary thread for tying, starch and colors for dyeing. Wooden blocks act as a basic tool for marking designs and simple implements are used for the purpose of dyeing.

Design & Style:
The basic patterns of Gujarati bandhani shawls are adapted on wool, or silk for shawls. These shawls are available in vibrant colors, though the background may be of neutral colour. The popularly used colors in bandhini include:

• 
  
• Red
• Saffron
• Yellow
• Black
• Maroon

Each of these colors have their own significance according to the Gujarati culture & tradition.
Bandhani shawls are embellished with embroidery, mainly chain stitch, and with mirror work for a richer and classic look. The price of the Bandhini shawls depend on the method of tying knots. Shawls with simply tied knots are inexpensive while those tied with many fine knots cost more.

Market of Bandhani Shawls:
Gujarat is the main centre for the production of Bandhani shawls in India. Rajasthan is also a leading producer of bandhani and tie & dye shawls. Kutch and Saurashtra are some of the more important centres for this kind of fine work. Because of their comfort and traditional design, Bandhani shawls are widely popular in domestic as well as international markets. Being an exclusive Indian shawl, Bandhani shawls from India are exported to different countries all across the globe.