Daya Ben

Dayaben Bi Dohat, a National award-winning Soof artist from Gujarat's Tharad Shivner Society, discovered the art of Soof embroidery at the age of 10, learning from her mother. Soof, an intricate craft, involves stitching from the cloth's back, counting each thread meticulously. Originating in Pakistan, her family brought this 400-500-year-old tradition to India in 1971. Previously reserved for dowries, Soof art now graces markets in India and internationally. Dayaben has taken her talent worldwide, promoting Soof art in England, France, and Sri Lanka, teaching workshops at institutions like NIFT and empowering over 300 artisans.