TheStyle.World x Kurubkii: This weekend, the pulsating heart of Bengaluru’s Church Street saw stories, music and colour as Kurubkii – A Journey with the Kurubas with the support of Samagata Foundation. Curated by Dakhnii Diaries in collaboration with TheStyle.World, the event threw light on the Kuruba community, considered one of the oldest pastoralist groups in the Deccan Karnataka, over three days of immersion.
The event was a window to the world of Kurubas, exemplified through their ecological contributions and rich cultural resources. Beginning from their deep-rooted connection with the land and animals to the intricate crafts and folklore, Kurubkii bridged the wide chasm between tradition and modernity, ushering an urban audience to a lifestyle that values and cares for nature.
The event was inaugurated by a soulful rendition of a song by elder Kuruba shepherd Neelkanth Mamaji vividly picturing life in the pastoral sphere. On its day, Ratna Pakshi, a children’s book by Kottiganahalli Ramaiah, and Tagarajogi Thalanagalu, a folklore-inspired book by Dr. Chandrappa Sobati, was also launched to celebrate oral and literary traditions of the Kurubas.
The photo essay walk-through by Dr. Vivek kept the attendees captivated with his rich evocative imagery of what was unmistakably the Deccan Plateau’s pastoral landscapes. The community’s weaving, felting, and tapestry-making skills were brought into action through the workshops organised by Kadoli women artists, and the enchanting musical performance by Shilpa Mudbi added another auditory layer to the experience.
The second day deepened issues related to pastoralist communities. A panel discussion with experts, anthropologists, and Kuruba’s representation deepened the socio-ecological importance and the urgent need for preserving pastoralism. Bhed Chal, a poignant film by Ankit and Harsh, appeared again in the evening, as it asserted community struggle and resilience.
A Grand Finale: Art, Music, and Togetherness
The final day of Kurubkii was a perfect crescendo. Here, the workshops continued to produce hands-on experiences with Kadoli women artisans, and the marketplace was abuzz with wool art, rugs, and handwoven products designed by the Kurubas. The programme concluded with a live folk performance by Vasu Dixit and Kuruba artists whose music was a celebration of the community’s spiritual bonding with nature.
A Marketplace of Stories
Throughout the event, visitors went through a continuing marketplace featuring handcrafted products, a photo essay exhibition of the lives of Kurubas, and a food corner offering delectable North Karnataka delicacies. Every nook of the event bore testimony to authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection to the earth.
A platform for connection and change
Kurubkii was not an event; it was a movement which brought the art, culture, and lifestyle of the community to the very front. It brought together young designers, conservationists, and urban audiences with the Kurubas while opening up discussions on sustainability, tradition, and coexistence.
As the curtains closed on this vibrant celebration, Kurubkii left the attendees with more than just memories and left the attendees with a renewed appreciation for pastoralism and the stories of the Kuruba community that will continue to inspire. TheStyle.World was honoured to collaborate with this inspiring event.
