As members of the basket makers’ community from the East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh, learning these skills was ingrained in our upbringing.

From childhood, both men and women were immersed in perfecting the art of crafting bamboo baskets and various other items in our community. But as time passed, many in our community sought opportunities in different professions.

Yet, here we are, a family of weavers stationed at Chaderghat in the Old City of Hyderabad, our bamboo creations catching the eye of passersby heading towards Afzalgunj and Charminar.

Every festive season sees us bustling with activity, weaving baskets, flowers, and hanging pots, among other crafts. Our raw materials, are sourced from the Godavari region and transported here. For about five months each year, we set up makeshift huts in the city, laboring tirelessly to earn a livelihood.

The days are long, the work relentless. My husband and I, along with our fellow weavers, churn out up to 40 baskets a day. But despite our toil, the earnings often fall short of our needs. There are days when we wait in hope from dawn till dusk, only to return home empty-handed.

The cost of materials is rising, and the demand for our woven goods seems to lessen. Yet, we persist. Basket weaving is not just a means of survival; it’s a part of our identity. We may endure physical discomfort from sitting in the same posture for hours, but the craft runs deep in our veins.

Each weave tells a story of creativity and skill, transforming raw bamboo strands into objects both beautiful and functional. We take pride in our craft, despite the challenges it brings.