Our Mission: Leading the Natural Dye Revolution
We are rethinking the way textiles are colored. By replacing synthetic toxins with plant-based pigments, we are creating a cleaner, more conscious fashion future in Mysuru.
What is the true cost of fast fashion? This powerful video explains how a single t-shirt pollutes thousands of liters of water due to toxic synthetic dyes, and why we must seek sustainable alternatives.
We asked people how much they knew about the polluting effects of the textile industry. Their answers highlight the need for more awareness about the impact of synthetic dyes and fast fashion.
How much do people know about the fashion industry? This video quiz reveals common knowledge gaps about topics like clothing waste, natural dye sources, and the importance of slow fashion.
We quiz people on their knowledge of sustainable textile practices, from GOTS certification to waterless dyeing. The responses show a growing awareness but also the need for more education.
"Synthetic Dyeing to Natural Dyeing is not a switch you can make overnight, it is a transition that we, at ColorAshram help you make." This graphic illustrates our core mission.
"Let's make life beautiful, one shade at a time." This image of colorful, naturally dyed yarns encapsulates our philosophy and our role as a center for all who want to engage with natural colors.
A shot of vibrant pomegranates growing on a tree, a natural source of dye. This image poses a simple question: why use petrochemicals when nature provides such beautiful colors?
About this collection
Switching to natural dyes is not an overnight flip of a switch, and we do not expect you to change your wardrobe in a day. It is a process of unlearning old habits and understanding the chemistry of what we wear. Whether you are starting with a simple DIY kit at home or joining us at our Mysuru studio for a professional masterclass, our focus is on guiding you through this transition, one fiber at a time.
The True Cost of Color
The textile industry is one of the largest polluters of freshwater globally. A single cotton t-shirt can consume up to 2,700 liters of water in production, with synthetic dyes often introducing over 8,000 different inorganic compounds into our water systems. At Color Ashram, our mission is to address this crisis directly by proving that nature holds a better palette.
Why We Do What We Do
We are a research-driven makerspace where we trade petrochemicals for plants. Our work in Mysuru is centered on:
- Educational Workshops: From beginner-friendly indigo sessions to advanced fiber chemistry masterclasses, we teach the science and art behind eco-printing, block printing, and batik.
- Community Building: We host artists, students, and curious travelers from around the world. We believe that when we share knowledge—whether through our internships or open studio days—we accelerate the collective shift toward sustainable consumption.
- Innovation: We are constantly tinkering with microbial dyes and zero-toxin recipes. Our goal is to make natural dyeing scalable and accessible so that small-scale designers and hobbyists can build their own sustainable brands without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
Join the Movement
We invite you to visit our Hebbal Industrial Area studio. Whether you want to attend a weekend workshop, explore our makerspace, or simply learn how to upcycle your existing clothes, you are welcome here. This is not just about learning a craft; it is about taking personal responsibility for the environmental impact of what we wear.
Color Ashram
We are Color Ashram, a space in Mysuru where hands get messy and ideas spark. We aren't just a studio; we are a community of artists, homeschoolers, and designers who believe that making things by hand is the first step toward a sustainable future. Come by, grab some herbal tea, and help us turn the tide on textile pollution.
Looking for something specific?
Explore our other programs and studio offerings.
More from Natural Dyeing Workshops & Training by Color Ashram