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Perched on the verdant banks of Sankey Lake in Bangalore, India, Tharangini Studio sits under a sweeping canopy of trees, surrounded by rows of flamingo pink florals and a lush carpet of native shrubs. This idyllic landscape mirrors the beauty created on its grounds, serving as one of the many inspirations for the handcrafted block art that takes life within the studio’s walls.
Founded in 1977 by female artist and pioneer Lakshmi Srivathsa, Tharangini is home to one of the largest private archives of vintage and contemporary wood blocks, housing over 6,000 designs that lend their patterns to the finest silks and linens, and now, the Stanley 1913 x Nest Diwali Collection, our third collaboration with Nest.
Diwali’s Festival of Lights is one of the most widely celebrated cultural moments across India and the South Asian diaspora. The five-day festival honors new beginnings, symbolizing light over darkness. It’s a time when homes, families, and communities come together by illuminating spaces, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and celebrating connection.
The patterns chosen for this collaboration were thoughtfully selected by Tharangini Studios from their vintage archives with each design expressing the positivity, ritual, and community that surrounds Diwali.
We sat down with Padmini Govind from Tharangini Studios, the artist behind the Stanley 1913 x Nest Diwali Collection, to learn more about her craft, and better understand the intentionality, process, and traditions that shape the thousands-years-old practice of hand block art.
How did you discover this particular medium of art?
In the mid 1960’s, my mother (and founder of Tharangini) Lakshmi, learned about wood block printing while studying Art in Delhi. She was inspired by this extraordinary heritage craft and was determined to open her own studio— a vision that came to life ten or so years later. So, I guess you could say it runs in the family!
How did you learn the craft?
Arts and culture played a vital part in our family growing up. In the 70’s, the handcraft movement was at its pinnacle, and we were fortunate to have guidance from several experienced experts across India. Our foundation years were spent printing only silk saris. Over time we moved to linen, cotton, and other materials.
What part of your work is most meaningful to you? What are you most proud of as an artist and member of your community?
Tharangini’s goal is to sustain this intricate craft in our region, in a meaningful way, with positive impact on people and planet. We are the last surviving heritage studio practicing this craft in our region.
Tharangini is celebrating 50 years, and what has served us well is the solid foundational values laid by my mother—an unwavering commitment to people and planet by supporting ethical, organic, and sustainable processes.
Tell us about the impact of your partnership with Nest. How does support of Tharangini Studio amplify the artisan community in India as a whole?
Our association with Nest goes back several years - we were the first block print studio to get the Nest Ethical Handcraft Seal. Going through the certification process and audits really highlighted the need for amplified social impact in artisan communities. Our goal is to ensure we do right by Tharangini artisan families but also lead by example for other studios that can benefit from these processes.
What was the inspiration behind the prints chosen for the Stanley 1913 x Nest Diwali collection?
First, we did a deep dive into the block print library to find patterns that we felt best signify the emotions of Diwali, which is a time for renewal, new beginnings, gratitude, and sharing abundance. In South India, Deepavali means "row of lamps", and it signifies light over darkness.
One prominent pattern we chose is the paisley motif, which resembles a mango fruit/leaf—an element of significance in our festive rituals. Henna motifs are also featured in the patterns. Many of the blocks are from our vintage and rare archives.
How does it feel to see your designs on Stanley 1913 products?
Stanley 1913 and Tharangini each have a rich heritage of celebrating daily rituals with timeless legacies. Translating our heritage designs to a whole new medium and bringing this historical art to a new generation of conscious consumers all over the world is very special. It’s a beautiful collaboration to commemorate Tharangini’s 50th year.
What do you want the people who buy this product to feel when they see and carry your designs in their everyday life?
Ideally, the product serves as a quiet reminder to find happiness in life’s little moments. Just as we enjoyed seeing this product come to life, from concept to reality, we hope it brings happiness and delight to every new home it finds.
After quickly selling out in the U.S., the Stanley 1913 x Nest Diwali collection is still available in select global markets, including India, where shoppers can purchase the collection online and at the Stanley 1913 kiosk at the Phoenix Mall of Asia in Bangalore.
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