Mumbaikars Turn to Modular Origami Workshops for Mindfulness and Creative Connection
Residents across Mumbai are increasingly embracing modular origami as a mindful, creative pursuit and a meditative outlet. Local workshops are drawing a diverse group of enthusiasts seeking to disconnect from the city's fast-paced life, rediscover childhood joys, and build community connections through the Japanese art of paper folding.
Tejas Uzgare, who has been conducting origami workshops across Mumbai for the past couple of years, reported an overwhelming response to his sessions, particularly his origami lamp workshops. According to Uzgare, Mumbaikars are actively seeking interactive experiences that allow them to transform a simple sheet of paper into an object of beauty and purpose. He added that the sessions foster a unique social aspect, bringing strangers together to bond over learning and discovery.
For many participants, the craft offers a therapeutic return to creative activities they enjoyed in their youth. Mrunmaye Math, an orthodontist who attended a weekend workshop, described origami as an extremely meditative process. Having explored other crafts like crochet and knitting, Math explained that she found deep satisfaction in folding paper, giving it form, and transforming a flat object into a three-dimensional structure.
Similarly, professional abstract artist Jayshree Savani shared her passion for the organic forms created through the process. Savani noted that her desire to return to the craft was strong enough that even a punishing Mumbai heat wave could not keep her away from the workshop.
The trend also appeals to those with an analytical background due to the geometric complexity of modular origami. Foram Khanderia, an engineer, was inspired to attend after a trip to Japan, where she noticed origami decorations in every room. Khanderia pointed out that modular origami goes far beyond basic paper animals, involving a significant amount of science and structure to interlock multiple folded units into complex shapes.
