Kutch is a celebrated for its art, crafts, music, dance and people. Pabiben is one of those, who are the real brand ambassadors and represent the colourful Kutch.
Pabiben, A Vibrant Rabari lady, struggled in her childhood and get famed in her younger age. She dared to start one of the first Women Artisan enterprises Pabiben.com. She has become an inspiration and an idol to many in her community. Pabiben.com is one successful women artisan enterprises which aspire to help women become independent and empower themselves to shape their own future, and those of their families and future
generations. It aims to help women create their identity with the help of their artistic talent. Pabiben was born in Kukadsar village of Mundra taluka in Kutch. She could not attend school, as her mother tejuben, a young widow, needed help with raising three girls. The eldest, Pabiben helped care for her sisters.
Pabiben learned the famed embroidery of her community, but before she could complete her own dowry, the elder council of the community banned its use completely, because they believed women spend too much time on embroidery, leading to late marriages. Professional embroidery was allowed. Pabiben joined the women group in 1998, and soon became known as a master artisan. Meanwhile, Dhebaria women searched for a way to
solve their design problem: how to remain decorative without breaking the community rules. They invented a new art form: machine application of readymade elements, which they called “Hari Jari.” First time in the dhebaria community, pabiben used vibrant combination of trims and ribbons and later it is known as “ Pabi Jari “ Pabiben mastered this art with enthusiasm, and made a sample of shopping Bag. It became an instant hit, and was christened the “Pabi Bag !” Pabi Bag has been introduced to the
contemporary market. Pabiben’s design has been shown in Hollywood and Bollywood films, and enjoys popularity all over the world !