Bangalore, Step In: Register for Living Lightly Utsav 2025!
Living Lightly brings the rich world of pastoralism to Bengaluru with a series of art exhibitions, workshops, talks, and performances. It's a space where curiosity about culture, ecology, and livelihoods can truly thrive. People from all walks of life—students, artists, academics, and pastoralists themselves—will come together to share ideas.
Enter the heart of the experience, immerse yourself in the poetry of the earth, and explore a way of life that is both timeless and urgent. Whether you’re learning a new craft or exchanging stories, this is a chance to bridge worlds. Register now and be part of the conversation.

Conferences & Talks
- Voices from the Grasslands: Conversations with Women PastoralistsThu, 13 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Futures for Grasslands and Pastoralism in IndiaFri, 07 FebNational Center for Biological Sciences
- Futures for Grasslands and Pastoralism in IndiaThu, 06 FebNational Center for Biological Sciences
- Deccan's Tryst With Pastoralism by Ajay DandekarSun, 02 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
Performances
- Rooh Ke Sang, Rohi Rang: An Evening of Bhakti and Sufi musicSun, 16 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Kal Kamal Kal Parak: A Play by Kotiganahalli Ramaiah (Kannada)Sat, 15 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Thinayiruppu: A Musical Offering of Sangam PoetryFri, 14 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Gwale Matwale: A play about Karnataka’s Dhangar Gavli community (Hindi)Mon, 10 FebBangalore International Centre
- Kurubar Haada: Shepherding & Wool SongsFri, 07 FebBangalore International Centre
- Enduring Legacy of Veer Tammanna Nayaka: Songs and Tales of the Kadugolla CommunitySun, 02 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Biso Haadu: Songs of Pastoralist Communities from KarnatakaSat, 01 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
Consultations
- Urban Pastoralism and the MetropolisSat, 15 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Conversations on Pastoral Landscapes of Tamil NaduFri, 14 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Pastoral Consultations: Maatu Kathe (The Knowledge of Pastoral Women)Thu, 13 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Pastoral Consultations: Maatu Kathe (Connecting through Dung)Wed, 05 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Pastoral Consultations: Maatu Kathe (Access to Forage)Tue, 04 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Pastoral Consultations: Maatu Kathe (Access to Forage)Mon, 03 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
Films
- Someplace Else Film FestivalSat, 15 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Someplace Else Film FestivalFri, 14 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Someplace Else Film FestivalSun, 09 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Someplace else film festivalSun, 09 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Someplace Else Film FestivalSun, 09 FebBangalore International Centre
- Someplace Else Film FestivalSat, 08 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Wool Speaks: An Animated Ode to Deccani Sheep, Shepherds and Sustainability by Suresh EriyatFri, 07 FebBangalore International Centre
- Someplace Else Film FestivalThu, 06 FebAlliance Francaise de Bangalore
- Someplace Else Film FestivalWed, 05 FebAlliance Francaise de Bangalore
- Someplace Else Film FestivalTue, 04 FebSrishti Manipal Institute
Guided Walks
- Guided WalkSun, 16 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Guided WalkSun, 09 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Guided WalkTue, 04 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
- Guided WalkSat, 01 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
Workshops
Pastoral Cafe
- Pastoral Cafe (Feb 1st - Feb 16th)IGNCA, Bengaluru
Exhibitions
- Desi Oon Pavilion: ExhibitionFri, 07 FebBangalore International Centre
- Main Exhibition, IGNCA (Feb 1st - Feb 16th)Sat, 01 FebIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
Alemari Bazar
- Alemari Bazaar (Feb 1st - Feb 16th)IGNCA, Bengaluru
Inauguration
- InaugurationIGNCA, Regional Centre, Bengaluru
FAQs
The utsav is about pastoralism. Pastoralists are mobile livestock herders who migrate with animals like cattle, camels, sheep and yak across diverse geographies. Their herds, bred over centuries, are hardy and low-maintenance, vital to India’s genetic diversity. Pastoralists sustain ecosystems and biodiversity and contribute to dairy, wool, and agriculture, fostering cultural and economic networks.
This exhibition focuses on the pastoral practices of Deccan India, and is about their culture, traditions, and wisdom!
The exhibition starts on February 1st, and February 16th is the last day to catch it.
If you’re a researcher or student interested in pastoral issues and wish to attend the invite-only events, please email us at livinglightly@centreforpastoralism.org with a two-line introduction about your background and interests. We’ll review your request and get back to you with further details!
There's no cost to attend the Utsav at the Indira Gandhi Centre for the Arts. The exhibition, pastoral café and bazaar, are free and open to all!
The Artisan Craft Workshops, the Folk Voices Lab, and the Cheese Workshops are the only ticketed events.
The Exhibition, Pastoral Café, and Alemari Bazaar are open to the public from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM at IGNCA. Films and performances are also open to all on a first-come-first-serve basis, so don’t forget to register online to secure your spot!
The Utsav is being held at:
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
Kengunte Circle, Mallathahalli,
Jnanabharathi Post, BengaluruGoogle Maps: Click here for directions
Transport Options:
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Nearest Metro Station: Jnanabharathi (Distance: 3.6 km, Approx. 8 minutes by auto)
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Nearest Bus Stop: Bengaluru University Quarters, Mariyappana Palya, Gnana Bharathi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560056
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Nearest Railway Station: Jnana Bharati Halt, Kenchenhalli
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Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport
Landmarks Nearby:
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Bangalore University
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Kengunte Circle
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Mysore Road, Jnana Bharathi
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You can download our one-page schedule here.
Absolutely! A key part of our work is helping children explore and understand different ways of life. We also offer school workshops—feel free to contact bhawna.jaimini@gmail.com for more details.
We offer guided tours with our artists and curators on the 1st, 4th, 9th, and 16th of Feb in the evenings, although this schedule is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website and Instagram.
No, unfortunately, there is no parking at the location
Yes, we have inserted ramps at the ground floor level. Majority of the ground floor and outdoor spaces are accessible by ramps and pathways. The exhibition on the first floor has limited access for the differently abled.
We would love to have you on board! Please find the open call for volunteers here
Here’s an ideal day at the Utsav:
Start with a walk through the exhibition, immersing yourself in the art and cultural displays. Then participate in a hands-on workshop to learn something new. Afterwards, enjoy a live performance that captures the festival's essence. Finally, unwind at the Pastoral Café with a warm drink and light bites, reflecting on your experience. This day offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, creativity, and relaxation.
Each day at the Utsav brings something unique and exciting! We offer a variety of events, performances, workshops, and exhibitions that change daily, so there's always something new to explore and enjoy. Whether you're attending for one day or multiple, you can expect a fresh experience every time you visit!
No, tickets once purchased are non-refundable!
Workshops are only offered at discounted rates for artisan craft workshops specifically tailored for institutions, colleges, and corporate groups. For more information or to inquire about booking, please contact us at livinglightly@centreforpastoralism.org
You can find resources to dive deeper into the topics discussed at the exhibition by following us on our social media platforms for updates and curated content. Additionally, visit our CFP page for detailed information and further reading materials.