Ensures fair living wage for producers
Discloses the community being impacted
Reduces the environmental impact
Created using handcrafted methods
Reduces/Reuses/
Recycles resources
Recycles resources
Made out of responsible materials
Biodegradable or environment friendly
Purpose
Sindhe Siva is on a mission to preserve the cultural legacy of Tholu Bommalata while reimagining its role in the contemporary world. Once a vibrant form of street storytelling that brought epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata to life through shadow puppetry, the art form now finds new expression in Siva’s hands—as functional and decorative pieces like lamps and jewelry. Committed to community upliftment, Siva conducts workshops to train future artisans, creating livelihood opportunities, particularly for women. His work not only revives interest in a centuries-old craft but also empowers others to find pride and purpose in India’s intangible heritage. Through innovation and outreach, Siva ensures that these ancestral stories continue to illuminate paths forward—both culturally and economically.
People
Sindhe Siva’s work has become a powerful catalyst for social transformation in his community. By reviving the ancient folk art of Tholu Bommalata, he has created skill-based employment for young people—especially women—through hands-on training workshops in his village. His efforts have turned a fading tradition into a source of livelihood, dignity, and identity. By adapting the art to contemporary designs, Siva has unlocked access to national and international markets, enabling artisans to earn a sustainable income. His outreach and educational initiatives introduce youth to the cultural and economic value of traditional arts, fostering a renewed sense of pride and purpose. Through his leadership, Tholu Bommalata is not just surviving—it is thriving as a living tradition that uplifts people and preserves heritage.
Planet
Sindhe Siva’s practice of Tholu Bommalata is deeply rooted in environmental responsibility. Using goat leather—a natural byproduct of the meat industry—his work minimizes waste while preserving traditional, biodegradable materials. Siva opts for natural dyes over synthetic alternatives, reducing the ecological footprint of production. His commitment to zero-waste extends to creatively repurposing leftover leather into handcrafted jewelry and accessories, ensuring nothing goes unused. In his workshops, he trains artisans in resource-efficient techniques, promoting a culture of sustainability alongside heritage preservation. By aligning craft with conservation, Sindhe Siva not only honors a centuries-old tradition but also helps shape a greener, more mindful future.
