Mariyah Nazir

In our fast-paced world, where change is the only constant, it's easy to forget that everything around us has a timeline, an expiry date. What was once an everyday practice can fade into obscurity, leaving the next generation unaware of its existence. One such forgotten art is that of Rafugari. Rafugari is the meticulous craft of mending torn clothes by hand, a skill once essential and revered. In a time when fabric was precious, Rafugars, the artisans of this trade, were the saviors who extended the life of garments with just needle and thread. Their deft hands could transform a tattered piece into a work of art, seamlessly weaving stories into the fabric of daily life. Yet today, this once-flourishing skill has faded. In the era of fast fashion and disposable clothing, many don’t even know what Rafugari means. The time when families would bring their worn-out clothes to the skilled Rafugar has been replaced by a culture of discarding and buying new. My mission is to document and share these art forms and stories—to bring them to light for a new generation. If I can capture the essence of Rafugari on my platform, and encourage even one person to remember or discover it, I believe my job is done. So, here’s my question to you: Do you have any memories or stories of Rafugars in your family? Perhaps you remember your grandparents having their clothes mended, or maybe there’s a Rafugar in your neighborhood who still practices this art. Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s bring back the stories of this beautiful, almost forgotten craft.