The Lambada Folktale of Sevalal & Merramma

About the film :

The film portrays the tale of Sevalal, the herder saint of the Lambada (Banjara) communities, and his enduring, dynamic battle with their goddess, Merramma! It seeks to capture the vibrant stories, textures, and flavors of pastoral jatres—spectacular festivals celebrated across regions of India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

These jatres, centered around the worship of specific herder and shepherd saints and deities, are not only dramatic spiritual gatherings but also bustling hubs for trading pastoral goods and vital spaces of governance for these largely nomadic communities, now transitioning rapidly to more sedentary lifestyles.

Watch a short trailer for the film below, as it is set to release on January 19th at the Living Lightly Exhibition, an event dedicated to preserving the pastoral heritage of Deccan India.

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