Where Art and Sisterhood Intertwine

Dear Ibu Allies,

As the season turns inward, we find ourselves inspired by the quiet rhythm of creation. Hands that move slowly, intentionally, bringing color and story to life one brushstroke at a time.

In the heart of Bangalore, India, the women of Dwaraka gather each day to hand-paint silks and cottons using ancient Kalamkari techniques. Their work is art, but it is also healing. Many arrived at Dwaraka seeking refuge from hardship. Here, they found not only employment but sisterhood, mentorship, and a shared sense of purpose.

Founded by Anita Reddy, DWARAKA (Development of Weavers and Rural Artisans in Kalamkari Art) began as a way to preserve traditional artistry and create economic independence for women seeking new beginnings. What began as a small effort to restore a dying craft has grown into a movement of independence, creativity, and connection. Today, it thrives as a sisterhood rooted in gratitude and creative renewal.

Each design begins in stillness. A pencil outline. A brush dipped in plant-based dye. Hours of layering and rhythm that bring pattern to life. The process mirrors the women themselves: patient, intentional, and full of quiet strength.

Today, hundreds of women have turned their craft into a livelihood, their artistry into a voice. Their hand-painted work, like the Dwaraka Shirt Dress, carries the pulse of community and the promise of transformation.

As the season invites us to slow down, we honor these women who remind us that every act of creation can be an act of renewal. Gratitude becomes their medium, and sisterhood their masterpiece.

With love,

Team Ibu