The air in Jaipur smelled of spice and dust, the streets alive with color and chaos. I’d come chasing a rumor—a workshop where artisans still practiced block printing, an ancient craft passed down for generations.

Behind a faded blue door, I found it. The room was vibrant, patterns of indigo and saffron drying on lines stretched across the space. An older man stood over a wooden block, pressing it carefully into fabric, each motion deliberate and precise. I watched, mesmerized, as centuries of tradition came to life before me.

A young woman explained the process, her voice calm and proud. Each block was hand-carved, every pattern steeped in history. I ran my fingers over the finished cotton bandanas, marveling at their texture and the small imperfections that made them real.

I knew then I couldn’t leave this place behind. I bought as many bandanas as I could carry, determined to bring this craft to the world. Now, they are far from Jaipur, patiently waiting for a companion to share their story—of skill, heritage, and the beauty I found behind that blue door.