In the sun-drenched village of Bhujpur, Kutch, where the desert meets the sea, the rhythmic tapping of wax and dye tells a story as old as time. Here, Hassan Anwarhusen Khatri, a fifth-generation batik artisan-designer, is weaving his own narrative—one that honors his family legacy while boldly charting a modern path in textile art.
Heritage in Every Thread
Batik is not just a craft for Hassan; it is his identity. Growing up under the guidance of his father, Anwarhusen Khatri, and his uncle, Hassan was immersed in the world of traditional batik printing from a young age. For generations, the Khatri family has perfected this intricate wax-resist technique, creating textiles that are both timeless and deeply rooted in Kutch’s rich artisan culture.
“My father experimented with reverse batik,” Hassan says, eyes sparkling with inspiration. “I want to take it to the next level, blending our heritage with my own ideas.”
The Ocean Nature Collection
Hassan’s latest work, the Ocean Nature Collection, draws its inspiration from the fluidity of the sea, the curves of dunes, and the raw beauty of nature. Each piece, crafted on luxurious Chanderi silk, is a marriage of tradition and innovation—where organic dyes meet contemporary motifs, and age-old techniques meet modern fashion sensibilities.
This collection reflects Hassan’s deep respect for the environment and his desire to tell stories through fabric. “Each pattern is like a wave, a ripple of nature frozen in silk,” he explains, reflecting his thoughtful approach to design.
A Journey Beyond Tradition
Following his father’s advice, Hassan pursued formal design education and was selected in 2025 for Somaiya Kala Vidya, one of India’s leading design schools. His goal? To refine his craft, explore new techniques, and infuse his creations with a global perspective while staying true to the Kutchi batik heritage.
Under his brand Por Batik, Hassan is creating more than clothing—he is crafting wearable art. His pieces are a testament to the idea that tradition and modernity are not opposites but partners, capable of creating something truly extraordinary.
The Future of Batik
Hassan is part of a new generation of Indian artisans who are reimagining traditional crafts for the contemporary world. With social media as his platform, particularly Instagram @por_batik, his work is gaining recognition not only in India but globally, introducing the intricate beauty of Kutchi batik to fashion enthusiasts everywhere.
“Batik is in my blood,” he says, “and I want the world to feel the stories, the textures, and the emotions that each piece carries.”
From the heart of Kutch to the pages of Fashion File magazines, Hassan Khatri is proving that heritage can be timeless—and that the future of batik is in young, visionary hands.
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