20% Off Preholiday Sale

Pabiben was born in Kukadsar. She could not attend school, as her mother, a young widow, needed help with raising three girls. The eldest, Pabiben helped care for her sisters.
Pabiben learned the famed embroidery of her community, but before she could complete her own dowry, the elder council of the community banned its use completely, because they believed women spend too much time on embroidery, leading to late marriages.

Professional embroidery was allowed. When Kala Raksha began to work in Kukadsar in 1998, Pabiben joined the group, and soon became known as a master artisan. She was also trained in Faridabad to be a community teacher in the basic education program.

Meanwhile, Dhebaria women searched for a way to solve their design problem: how to remain decorative without breaking the community rules. They invented a new art form: machine application of ready made elements, which they called “Hari Jari.”

Pabiben mastered this art with ... Show more

Pabiben was born in Kukadsar. She could not attend school, as her mother, a young widow, needed help with raising three girls. The eldest, Pabiben helped care for her sisters.
Pabiben learned the famed embroidery of her community, but before she could complete her own dowry, the elder council of the community banned its use completely, because they believed women spend too much time on embroidery, leading to late marriages.

Professional embroidery was allowed. When Kala Raksha began to work in Kukadsar in 1998, Pabiben joined the group, and soon became known as a master artisan. She was also trained in Faridabad to be a community teacher in the basic education program.

Meanwhile, Dhebaria women searched for a way to solve their design problem: how to remain decorative without breaking the community rules. They invented a new art form: machine application of ready made elements, which they called “Hari Jari.”

Pabiben mastered this art with enthusiasm, and made a sample for Kala Raksha. It became an instant hit, and was christened the “Pabi Bag!” Kala Raksha introduced this bag to the contemporary market. Pabiben’s design has been shown in Hollywood and Bollywood films, and enjoys popularity all over the world!

In 2004, Pabiben participated in a design workshop with Vietnamese artisans in Delhi to further develop her design Show less

Pabiben Lakhman Rabari's Featured Product

Kala Raksha Trust, a grassroots social enterprise, is dedicated to preservation of traditional arts. We envision this broadly, as holistic encouraging of the creative capacity of the artist. Comprising artisans, community members, and experts in the fields of art, design and museums, Kala Raksha was founded on artisan initiative in 1993 in the desert region Kutch, in India. Uniquely committed to documenting existing traditions, the Trust maintains a collection of heirloom textiles housed as a local Museum. Artisans participated in establishing this Museum. Thus it embodies a simple but revolutionary concept: involve people in presenting their own cultures. Artisan initiative and participation continue to be the ... Show more

Kala Raksha Trust, a grassroots social enterprise, is dedicated to preservation of traditional arts. We envision this broadly, as holistic encouraging of the creative capacity of the artist. Comprising artisans, community members, and experts in the fields of art, design and museums, Kala Raksha was founded on artisan initiative in 1993 in the desert region Kutch, in India. Uniquely committed to documenting existing traditions, the Trust maintains a collection of heirloom textiles housed as a local Museum. Artisans participated in establishing this Museum. Thus it embodies a simple but revolutionary concept: involve people in presenting their own cultures. Artisan initiative and participation continue to be the pillars of Kala Raksha's work. Artisan Design Committees create exquisite contemporary work based in their traditions. Artisan Pricing Committees establish fair wages. Finally, artisans participate in sale of their work, linking them directly to their market. What Kala Raksha preserves is the essence of art. Traditions are preserved when they flourish. Show less