Lambadi : This textile art exhibition at Bangalore’s Sabha is more than just a display of craft—it’s a vibrant retelling of culture, ecology, and the resilience of women. “At Home in Sittilingi” beautifully weaves together Lambadi heritage, nature, and personal expression through the medium of embroidery, reminding us that art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about identity, belonging, and voice.
The residency led by Anshu Arora and supported by Dr. Lalitha Regi and the Towards Equal Foundation offered a rare opportunity: for artisans to step into the spotlight as artists, not just craftswomen executing someone else’s vision. The Lambadi women didn’t just stitch—they told stories. Of butterflies, rivers, rocks, and their memories. Selvi’s joy in embroidering the ‘Stream’ is such a powerful example of what it means to see your world, your environment, represented through your own hands.
The story of Porgai—meaning pride and dignity—is incredibly inspiring. What began with two senior women, Neela and Gammi, has grown into a movement of cultural revival and artistic empowerment. From rediscovering long-lost stitches to representing India on an international stage like IOTA 2024 in Australia, the Lambadi artisans have truly reclaimed their narrative.
And how poetic that while they were once nomads, their art has now found a settled home, yet their imaginations roam even freer—transforming thread into thoughtful landscapes and their names into lasting legacies.
