CM Kumaraswamy takes measures to preserve the Lambani culture

Bengaluru: Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy launched a programme to revive 1,500 Sevalal Cultural Centres across Karnataka. 

Based on a survey conducted by the state government it was learnt that several Sevalal Cultural Centres across the state are in a dilapidated state therefore the programme was launched to preserve the culture, art and traditional rituals of the Banjara community (Lambani), a nomadic community that traces its origins to Rajasthan.

The government plans to invest Rs 112 crore for this project over the next three years to preserve the ways of life of the Banjaras.

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said, “Sevalal Maharaj is an important spiritual leader for the Banjara community and his contribution to the art, culture and welfare of the Banjara people is unmatched. The Karnataka government understands the importance that Sant Sevalal holds in the hearts and minds of the community, which is an integral part of Karnataka. We hope that the revival of these centres will help revitalise the art and culture of the state, and give a fillip to the rural economy as well.”

There are around 1.1 million of the Banjara community people living in Karnataka. A maximum grant of Rs 10 lakh will be given for the construction of each Sevalal cultural centre building as part of the project. 

“There are over 3,300 tandas in the state where the Banjara community has been living and practising their age-old cultural traditions under the spiritual guidance of Sevalal Maharaj. It is important that these traditions are not only preserved but also given the opportunity to thrive, in order to ensure that Karnataka continues its tradition of multiculturalism, tolerance and pluralism,” Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara said.