Banjara Bags - An introduction

The Banjara, also called Lamani, Lambadi, and Banjara Lambani are a class usually described as nomadic people from the Indian state of Rajasthan, now spread out all over Indian subcontinent. They are sometimes called the "gypsies of India". They are known for colored dress, folk ornaments and bangles. Their traditional living place, called Tanda, is usually located outside a village in India.

Banjaras were traditionally suppliers of bullock and salt merchants. The word Banjara is said to be derived from Sanskrit word vana chara (wanderers in jungle). The word Lambani or Lamani is derived from Sanskrit word lavana (salt) which was the principal good they transported across the country.

Their way of living is quite thrilling and full of adventures. They are known for their colorful costumes. Vibrant colors of cloths with lots of accessories comes to our mind when we hear about Banjaras, the enthusiastic tribe of India

Folk art of Banjara people includes activities like dance, rangoli, embroidery, tattooing, music, painting. Specifically embroidery and tattooing has more significance in the community. Lambani women specialize in "lepo" embroidery on clothes by stitching pieces of mirror onto clothes.

Banjara Women's dressing is the most colorful and elaborate among the other tribal communities in India. They are accustomed to wearing the costumes of "ghaghra" and "choli"(a blouse). Ghaghra is a skirt made of red, black and white cotton, embellished with pieces of mirrored glass that are embroidered on it. Banjara women wear a full length skirt with borders embroidered in mustard and green thread. They also wear pretty silver anklets. Silver, brass, gold, cowries, ivory, animal bone and even plastic are used in making a Banjara wardrobe.

The Banjara Bags are derived from the colorful lives and clothes of these very people are generally fabricated in Cotton.