Somaiya Kala Vidya (SKV) hosted Kai Magga Kale Sangama (handloom stories woven by artisan-designers of Bagalkote), presenting the graduating class of 2025 from Bagalkote, with special glimpses from Kachchh and SKV’s outreach projects in Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Karnataka. Organised by Design Craft, the exhibition was inaugurated by Ms B Jayashree, a veteran Indian theatre actress, director and singer, featuring collections by 30 graduating artisan designers who completed SKV’s year-long design course.
The graduating class brought together 17 artisan designers from Kachchh, Gujarat, and 13 from Bagalkote, Karnataka. Their work showcased vibrant collections rooted in traditional crafts, including Ilkal, Multishaft, and Khadi weaving from Bagalkote, alongside Extra-Weft Weaving, Bandhani, Batik, Ajrakh Printing, and Soof & Rabari Embroidery from Kachchh. The exhibition also showcased craft pop-ups from SKV’s outreach projects, highlighting Kasuti Embroidery from Karnataka, Nandana Block Printing from Madhya Pradesh, and the craft of Natural Dyeing and Floor Loom weaving from Meghalaya.
Each collection reimagined heritage crafts with contemporary sensibilities, balancing tradition with innovation.
Amrita Somaiya, Trustee of Somaiya Vidyavihar and Governing Board Member of SKV, said, “In learning the language of design, our artisan students also rediscover the richness of their own heritage. This process of relearning gives them the confidence to share their culture with the world in a more contemporary way. By engaging directly with customers and observing trends on social media, they respond to what the market desires while staying true to their traditions. The result is a collection of creations that are not only rooted in heritage but also vibrant, relevant, and appealing to today’s audiences, a unique blend of tradition and trend.”
A notable highlight this year was Nandana Block Print, from Umedpura, Madhya Pradesh represented by Pawan Jhariya and his son Aryan Jhariya at the exhibition. The craft is currently only practiced by one family in India, and traditionally they used to make ghaghras for the Bhil community. For many, the exhibition was a platform to launch independent labels and explore new market opportunities.
“This exhibition highlights the dedication and creativity of our artisans. It celebrates their journey from learning traditional crafts to building their own brands. The collections show how heritage can be reinterpreted for today’s market while keeping the essence of craft alive,” said Nishit Sangomla, Director of Somaiya Kala Vidya.
Visitors experienced unique collections and had the opportunity to interact directly with artisans, making the exhibition both a marketplace and a celebration of India’s rich craft heritage.
Kai Magga Kale Sangama affirmed SKV’s commitment to nurturing artisan talent, blending traditional knowledge with modern design thinking, and supporting sustainable livelihoods through creative enterprise.
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