The weaving cooperative at Bajana and other artisans’ workshops can also be included in the tours.

Other communities near Dasada are Padhars (primarily fishing people), the semi-nomadic Bajanias and Mirs, Jaths (Muslim herders), and the Siddis.

Patan

Approx 70 km from Rann Riders is the historic city of Patan known for its Patola silk weavers. These weavers belong to the Salvi community and are believed to have come here from South India during the patronage of the Solankis who reigned over Gujarat in the 11th and 12th centuries. The Salvis practise an intricate weaving technique called double ikkat which involves dyeing both the warp and weft threads according to the final design before setting them on the loom for weaving. The result is an extremely rich fabric. Only a few weavers in Okinava, Bali and Patan use the double ikkat techniques making the Patola a collectible.

Kutch

Many textile and handicraft experts stopover at Rann Riders en route to Bhuj, Banni and other areas known for their rich array of handicrafts including embroideries of Rabaris, Bharwads, Jaths, Muthwas, Sodhas, Lohanas, etc, besides bandhini tie-and-dye, block printing, woodcarving, metal crafts and pottery.

For those who want to buy the handicrafts of Kutch, Rann Riders has an in-house shop of Kala Raksha, a registered society, trust and non-profit NGO working to preserve the craftsmanship of Kutch by assisting local communities known for their handicrafts. KALA RAKSHA produces some of the most exquisitely hand embroidered and patch worked products made in Kutch. Using only natural fibers, and wherever possible natural dyes, the Trust makes a wide range of garments, accessories and home furnishings. KALA RAKSHA began with income generation, which is the primary concern of the village artisans. But the Trust views income generation as a means to comprehensive development and now also works in preventive health care and basic education. Kala Raksha has encouraged women in each community in which it works to begin self-help saving groups. For more information on Kala Raksha look up http://www.kala-raksha.org