During the 3rd Culture Working Group Meeting of G20 held in Hampi, the Ministry of Culture’s Culture Working Group achieved a remarkable feat by organizing the largest display of Lambani items, earning themselves a Guinness World Record. This achievement aligns with their ‘Culture Unites All’ campaign and highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Lambani community.
Celebrating Lambani Embroidery
- As part of the ‘Culture Unites All’ campaign, a special exhibition showcasing Lambani embroidery patches was unveiled at the Yeduru Basavanna complex in Hampi. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Prahlad Joshi, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Coal and Mines. The theme of the exhibit, titled ‘Threads of Unity,’ celebrates the aesthetic expressions and design vocabulary of Lambani embroidery.
- To create this stunning display, over 450 Lambani women artisans and cultural practitioners associated with the Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra Kendra (SKKK) joined forces. They utilized GI-tagged Sandur Lambani embroidery, incorporating a total of 1,755 patchworks into the exhibit. This collaborative effort not only showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of the Lambani community but also emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting traditional cultural practices.
Guinness World Record Achievement
The achievement of organizing the largest display of Lambani items during the G20 Culture Working Group Meeting is a significant accomplishment. It highlights the commitment of the Culture Working Group to recognize and promote diverse cultural traditions. The record-setting display is a testament to the rich heritage of Lambani embroidery and its cultural significance within the broader context of India’s artistic legacy.
Lambani Embroidery: A Vibrant Textile Tradition
- Lambani embroidery is a vibrant and intricate form of textile embellishment characterized by colorful threads, mirror work, and a diverse range of stitch patterns. This craft is practiced in several villages of Karnataka, including Sandur, Keri Tanda, Mariyammanahalli, Kadirampur, Sitaram Tanda, Bijapur, and Kamalapur. Skilled women from the Lambani community play a crucial role in upholding this embroidery tradition, which serves as a source of livelihood and economic empowerment.
- The practice of patchworking is central to Lambani embroidery. It involves skillfully stitching together small pieces of discarded fabric to create beautiful textiles. This sustainable approach to craft is found in various textile traditions across India and even globally. The Lambani embroidery tradition shares common techniques and aesthetic elements with textile traditions in Eastern Europe, West Asia, and Central Asia, reflecting the interconnectedness of cultures through craft.
The Role of Sandur Kushal Kala Kendra (SKKK)
- Sandur Kushal Kala Kendra (SKKK), established as a Society in 1988, plays a vital role in reviving traditional crafts and enhancing the livelihoods of Lambani craftswomen. SKKK focuses on nurturing their skills, promoting their products, and ensuring a steady income. With around 600 artisans and twenty self-help groups under its wing, SKKK has garnered national and international recognition for Lambani craft.
- In 2004 and 2012, SKKK received the prestigious UNESCO Seal of Excellence for Handicrafts in South Asia, acknowledging their efforts to preserve and promote Lambani embroidery. Furthermore, SKKK obtained the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the craft of ‘Sandur Lambani hand embroidery’ in 2008. These accolades signify the organization’s dedication to sustaining traditional crafts and empowering Lambani artisans.
