Gadag Lambani Banjara Toran Mirror Embroidery Karnataka

Lambani (Banjara) women of Gadag and Haveri districts in north Karnataka practice the making of toran — a ceremonial embroidered door-hanging composed of recycled cotton sari fabric strips stitched with circular mirror work, cowrie shells, coins, and geometric coloured thread embroidery in running stitch, chain stitch, and cross stitch. Each toran panel is 90-120 cm wide and incorporates crescent and peacock motifs signalling household festival celebrations at weddings, Navratri, and Ugadi. Lambani tanda settlements in Gadag taluk produce torans for both ritual household use and commercial sale through KVIC craft fairs and APCO emporiums. The Lambani embroidery palette uses bold combinations of red, orange, green, and white with heavy silver mirror inserts distinguishing it visually from Rajasthani Rabari or Kutch embroidery. Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation has recognised Lambani craft as a GI product of the Bellary-Gadag tanda region, and Lambani artisans participate in national craft melas at Surajkund and Dilli Haat to market their toran, bags, and blouses.