#LocalWaliDiwali: Serve Heritage This Diwali with Handcrafted Kalamkari Trays from Flourish in Bengaluru

The Diwali glow isn’t just about lights—it’s also in the details that bring your space to life. This festive season, serve up tradition with a twist by adding Kalamkari trays to your décor or gifting list. Handcrafted and painted by skilled artisans, these trays are more than just serveware—they’re a canvas of storytelling rooted in centuries-old Indian art. Whether you're passing around snacks during a taash night or setting up a thoughtful gift hamper, Kalamkari trays from Flourish add a layer of heritage and charm. Because this Diwali, it’s time to celebrate with art you can actually serve on!

#LocalWaliDiwali

Local Samosa’s #LocalWaliDiwali series puts a spotlight on India’s rich heritage of arts, crafts, and handicrafts, along with the local mom-and-pop stores that have been serving their communities for generations. This initiative celebrates the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, focusing on the most promising local stores that are at the heart of their cities, known for reviving traditional Indian crafts across various categories.

This Diwali, through this series, we are committed to showcasing the best local artists, craftsmen, and small businesses that preserve Indian heritage through their products. By putting these gems on the map, we aim to connect them with people beyond their city, giving these local businesses the visibility, boost, and clientele they deserve.

Historical Roots and Craftsmanship of Kalamkari

Kalamkari, derived from the Persian words kalam (pen) and kari (craftsmanship), is a time-honoured textile art form that involves intricate hand-painting or block-printing on fabric. Its origins date back over 3000 years, with early references found in ancient temples of Andhra Pradesh and mythology-inspired murals adorning temple walls in Machilipatnam and Srikalahasti. The craft flourished under the patronage of the Mughals and the Golconda Sultanate, who elevated it from a religious storytelling medium to an esteemed art form sought after across trade routes.

There are two distinctive styles of Kalamkari: the Machilipatnam style, which uses hand-carved wooden blocks and natural dyes, and the Srikalahasti style, a freehand pen-drawn technique that requires immense precision and storytelling skill. Artisans typically use natural dyes extracted from plants, roots, and minerals—such as indigo, pomegranate peel, and iron acetate—on cotton or silk fabrics. The process involves as many as 23 meticulous steps including bleaching, softening, dyeing, hand-painting, and washing.

Traditionally used to depict scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as motifs from nature and folklore, Kalamkari has evolved into both wearable art and elegant home décor. Despite modern mechanised alternatives, the painstaking skill and cultural depth embedded in each handmade piece make authentic Kalamkari a celebration of India’s artistic heritage. Today, the craft is primarily practised in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with ongoing efforts to preserve its legacy through artisan cooperatives and GI-tagged recognition.

The Modern Revival: Kalamkari Trays

Kalamkari is usually seen on hand-painted or block-printed cotton or silk textiles. The trend that was Kalamkari blouses paired with solid sarees still continues. But that’s certainly not all that the artform is about!

The modern revival of Kalamkari art has seen this age-old tradition flourish beyond textiles, finding a vibrant new expression in contemporary home décor. From wall art to functional objects, artisans are now reimagining Kalamkari’s detailed motifs and earthy palettes in everyday pieces like trays—blending heritage with utility. And one platform championing this shift is Flourish, a conscious marketplace that empowers artisan communities through sustainable design and fair trade.

Flourish’s collection of Kalamkari trays celebrates the intricate storytelling of this ancient craft while adapting it to modern lifestyles. Made by skilled artisans using eco-friendly materials, these trays are perfect for festive serving, gifting, or simply adding a handcrafted touch to your home. The prices are super affordable too, ranging between Rs. 500 — Rs. 1,250. By choosing Kalamkari trays this Diwali, you’re not just picking a stylish piece—you’re also supporting traditional artistry, ethical livelihoods, and local love that lasts far beyond the festive season.

Where: Joseph Chemmanur Hall, 1st Cross Rd, Kalyan Nagar, Indira Nagar 1st Stage, H Colony, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Contact: 7019273553