Kutch Bells in Balmain

Ephemera our Elephant introduces a sound light blue- from ancient Bells she calls "Optimism Bells".

A young voice, A fresh voice

A soothing sound

A crisp sound

A natural sound 

meditative

Listen ( 20-second video) (Shot in Kutch)

This is the young fifteen- year old boy in Kutch who has carved this sound

Bell making in Kutch evolved over many centuries. Sameer’s family have been making Bells for many years. Primarily used for livestock, the art comes from devising a sound which the owner of the livestock can recognise. Owners and makers sit for long periods perfecting the sound. The other beauty is that Bells are provided with a lifetime guarantee. If the sound or metal fades the Luhar ( Bellmaker) would replace it free of charge. Red is regarded as an auspicious colour in this region. Hence the red cotton thread. Made using Mud, Wood and water. The central ringer is a long piece made of wood. Bells are referred to by their size but Ephemera our Elephant loved the old quaint terms such as Chota Paila (meaning small)

Sameer the Fifteen-year Old Bell Maker

His name is derived from the Sanskrit word Samir (समीर) meaning gust of wind or a gentle breeze.

Sadly lost his father recently. Sameer lives with his Grandfather and is now responsible for the family. He comes from the village Zara or Jara. He probably has had to leave school.

Ephemera our Elephant asked Sameer about his dreams and hopes and particularly if there are any animals near him. Sameer will let us know later as he is busy making bells to help the family survive. 5% of all Bell sales in India in Balmain will go to Sameer directly.

Here is Sameer making the bells

Light blue resides in your throat according to the Chakras. Indigo blue in the ears to help listen to truth and beauty. Even Indigo blue stops and listens to the truthful sound of Sameer Luhar Bells

Sameer's Village Jara or Zara

Total Population is 205

Total No of Houses 44

Working Population 27.8 %

Nearest Town Appx 20 kms

A local shop

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Mahatma Gandhi came from an area not so far from Sameer’s village and these are the first two stanzas from his favourite hymn written in the 15th century by the poet Narsinh Mehta. This hymn was used in the final credits of the film “Gandhi”. Bells were used in the background to evoke Light Blue.

Vaishnava Jana To, Tene Kahiye Je

Peed Paraayi Jaane Re,

Para Duhkhe Upakāra Kare To Ye

Mana Abhimāna Na Āne Re

Vaishnava Jana To, Tene Kahiye Je

Peed Paraayi Jaane Re

Sakala Loka Mā Sahune Vande,

Nindā Na Kare Kenī Re,

Vāca Kācha Mana Niścala Rākhe,

Dhana Dhana Jananī Tenī Re

Vaishnava Jana To, Tene Kahiye Je

Peed Paraayi Jaane Re

Meaning

We call  those people Good who

feel the pain of others,

help those who are in misery,

And don’t let pride enter their mind.

They respect the entire world,

have no ill will,

keep their words, actions and thoughts harmonious.

The mother of such a soul is blessed.

To hear the hymn internet search  “ Vaishnav Jan To “

Credits

United Artisans of Kutch ( UAOK)

www.khamir.org

Blog by award winning Poet Bhupen Thakker https://www.amazon.com/Bhupen-Thakker/e/B088LPQDQ2/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1