Ensures fair living wage for producers
Discloses the community being impacted
Reduces the environmental impact
Focusses on women producers
Created using handcrafted methods
Reduces/Reuses/
Recycles resources
Recycles resources
Porgai Store, an NGO dedicated to uplifting the artisans of the Lambadi Tribe, embodies the essence of pride, as reflected in its name derived from the Lambadi dialect. Originating from North Western India centuries ago, the Lambadi tribes migrated southward, settling across states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Neela and Gammi, inheritors of the rich embroidery tradition from their grandmothers, became catalysts for change. Passing down their skills to a small group of women, they coalesced to form the Porgai Artisans Association, a beacon of hope and empowerment for their community's artistic heritage.
Purpose
At the heart of Porgai lies a profound commitment to self-sufficiency and independence, extending to their women, villages, and cherished ecosystems. The majority of Porgai's offerings stem from organic cotton cultivated in their very own villages. Untouched by pesticides and free from chemical fertilizers, this cotton undergoes a meticulous journey, hand-spun, hand-woven, and naturally dyed by cooperative efforts. Each stage in Porgai's production process reflects their unwavering dedication to safeguarding, honoring, and exalting the interconnectedness of their village ecosystem with the surrounding forests and the earth itself. Through every creation, Porgai reverberates with a profound reverence for nature and community.
People
Porgai stands as a beacon of empowerment, comprising a registered society of 60 Lambadi women who are also farmers. During dry summers and other seasons of agricultural lull, these artisans turn to their craft, perpetuating the rich tradition of Lambadi hand embroidery. Originating from the Banjara or nomadic tribes, the Lambadi people trace their roots back to Rajasthan, migrating southward centuries ago in search of livelihoods. Renowned for their exquisite handiwork, each Porgai creation resonates with the collective effort of many hands: from the farmers who cultivate the cotton, to the spinners, weavers, and ultimately, the skilled women artisans who breathe life into each piece.
Planet
In the heart of Porgai's ethos lies a dedication to meticulous craftsmanship and sustainability. Whether it's a delicately embroidered Kurti or a vibrant cushion cover adorned with traditional Lambadi designs, each creation is meticulously designed and handmade in-house. The majority of Porgai's offerings are crafted from organic cotton, carefully cultivated within their own villages without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, ensuring its natural purity. This cotton undergoes a transformative journey, being lovingly hand-spun, hand-woven, and dyed with natural colors by cooperative efforts. Every stage of production in Porgai reflects their profound commitment to preserving, cherishing, and honoring the symbiotic relationship between their village ecosystem, the encompassing forests, and the earth itself.
