Beautiful Banjara Art! A Heritage and a Beautiful Fashion Trend!

India's varied Art and Culture seems fascinating, isn't it? But not just because of the different traditions that it depicts with a vibrant aura, and a wide range of historical anecdotes. The origin of detailed, handcrafted work dates back to the Indus valley civilization. Through visual arts and paintings, material culture of the indigenous tribal conduct was well presented and is preserved till date. We are immensely proud of our heritage and today under the spotlight is the intricate- Banjara Art!

Banjara Art form is one of the most significant tribal art works. Known popularly for its colourful yet unique appearance, its beauty is truly astounding. It includes not only clothing but also performance arts such as dance, music as well as folk dance, and many other artworks like rangoli, textile embroidery, tattooing and painting. Banjara embroidery and tattooing are especially prized and also form a significant aspect of the Banjara identity. The Banjara graziers are found in temporary settlements in the villages of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and even some parts of Maharashtra. Each part of India is full of traditional and cultural diversity and we are sure you will find something amazing everywhere!

The Inseparable Bond of Banjaras with Geometry

Let’s know more about this wonderful art! Because of their vibrant costumes and jewellery, the Banjara tribe is regarded as one of the most colourful pan India. The Banjara Nomadic tribe engages in both mirror work and Banjara tribal embroidery. For the Banjara ladies who wear their cherished jewellery in all its finery, elegant clothing and the beauty of tribal jewellery can’t be spelled out in words. Banjara women dress in bright ghagras, cholis, and odhnis with appliqué work and large mirrors. Numerous nomads produce Banjara embroidery and needlework, which portrays the vibrant and rural lifestyle of their culture via the creation of spirited clothing. The embroidery combines originality and brightness to produce work that is genuinely one-of-a-kind in both style and quality. This type of elaborate stitching is characterised by several geometrical combinations, including triangles, squares, and diamonds. Wow! Now that’s one unique combo of geometry and fashion! Who knew it would be so amazing!!!

The bright lifestyle of banjaras is largely represented by the vibrant threads used in the needlework. Their attention to detail and creativity can make even the best of fashion designers speechless. They also use mirrors, shells, and beads to draw attention to particular characteristics. The brilliant splendour of this piece is enhanced by the sunlight reflecting off the vibrant mirror work. Simple stitches like herringbone, chain, short, and long stitches, as well as other variations, are used to construct the patterns and figures.

The Vibrant Natural Colours Make Them Unique

Now vibrant colours and beautiful accessories are totally synonyms! The distinctive vibrancy of the colours used in Banjara needlework, as well as its use of other embellishments like coins, cotton, mirrors, beads, cowrie shells, and woollen tassels, are what set them apart from other types of embroidery. Banjara embroidery is used to create a variety of goods, including bags, purses, belts, pillows and pillowcases, bedspreads, and cushions. In addition to skirts, salwar suits, and blouses, women's needlework also uses silver, brass animal bones, and gold to draw attention to certain aspects. Yes, that’s right! It’s not limited to clothes! And if you are totally a ‘traditional style accessories’ person, this style is a must have!

How did this Artform get Preserved?

Our tribal people have a very rich culture and are super talented but they feel shy and not very comfortable in sharing their heritage with everyone. But the Banjara women continue to wear their traditional attire, which is among the most colourful and ornate of any Indian tribal community and has a bohemian-inspired design. This is the main reason we are fortunate to know more about this gorgeous artform and even make it a part of our lives.

The boho style is something more than just a fad in fashion. It is a fashion trend that is closely tied to the nomadic lifestyle and combines natural materials, vintage patterns, warm and neutral tones, accents in the manner of the 1970s, and a penchant for striking accessories. Being closer to a heritage art, this artwork’s beauty goes way beyond simple appearance.

Where Can You Buy Clothing Inspired by Banjara Art?

There are many brands who are recognising the need to preserve the cultural heritage and you must be wondering ‘Where can I buy some beautiful dresses or clothes inspired by Banjara Art?’ The wholesome work seems totally captivating, isn't it? And now after knowing so much about it, who wouldn't want to try out these eye-catching apparels! So today the brand under spotlight is- The Banjara Trail. The charm, beauty and versatility of Banjara artwork have been a key part of The Banjara Trail apparel range, which is where you can look for the patterns and colours that would soothe your eyes. The Banjara Trail has preserved the long-lost tribal quality through its items, with some glances of modernity.

The Banjara Trail provides a wide range of items which represents the organic tribal lifestyle. As a result of its extreme unconventionality, vibrancy, and display of free-spirited energy, their clothing exudes a bohemian air. Despite this, the women of the Rabari tribe, who are renowned for their excellent artwork, craft their outfit, which adds a vintage touch. The finest embroidery and beads which are rare,  can be found in The Banjara Trail apparel range, is well-known for their modern touch of uniqueness and specialities. Banjara Trail aims to promote Rabari needlework by creating stylish, usable everyday apparel with a banjara touch and untold stories to reach one's wardrobe.

If you are planning to buy some not so traditional yet unique clothes, they design Boho gypsy jackets and accessories that are richly adorned with unique and antique hand-embroidered patches. The brand vision strongly withholds sustainability. Their mission is to preserve our beautiful Indian embroidery by providing this slowly disappearing skill a platform to breathe into this ancient art, and make it fashionable as well as available to the worldwide consumers today. 

Banjara needlework is regarded for its minute detailings and elegance, and the items are widely distributed in the art and craft industry.

Their use of colour depicts life’s myriad emotions, celebrations and undiscovered stories. The items are manufactured by the Banjara refugee women, whose skills have always been at the centre of Indian culture. That’s one reason why we adore their clothes! We always love the brands that are totally into ‘ Make In India’!

Their primary goal is to help these women achieve financial independence and self-sufficiency while also empowering them through work and support. Each of the items of The Banjara Trail has a distinctive theme and is handmade with love and dedication.

So, now you know all about a different yet very precious art form that’s Banjara Art! At the same time cheers to a brand who is into preserving and promoting this extremely exquisite art and cherishing the creativity and talent of the Banjara refugee women too! 

Do you have another beautiful artform in mind that’s close to your heart? Do share with us in the comments section below and we will soon be back with the next edition on your suggestion!

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