In a unique intersection of art, community, and storytelling, a three-storied building named Kanthar Ghor has become a canvas for the life stories of homemakers in the neighborhood. Wrapped entirely in Kantha—a traditional form of hand-stitched embroidery—the building is adorned with saris contributed by women who have penned their memories, emotions, and untold stories onto the fabric.
Kantha makerspic Eshna Bhattacharya
“We were asked to write our stories, thoughts, childhood memories, and all the pent-up feelings we couldn’t speak of,” said Safina Bebi, one of the Kantha makers. The result is a striking blend of personal narratives and collective expression, woven into every thread.
The idea behind Kanthar Ghor The project is the brainchild of GABAA, a team of young creators who wanted to amplify the voices of women in third-world countries through art and community-based practices. “We live here and interact with this neighborhood daily. This piqued our interest and we wanted to explore the landscape through the voices of its women,” said a GABAA team member. The concept emerged from the themes of care and ownership. “We rent this house, and it is cared for by the women of the neighbourhood who have woven their saris. Meanwhile, the owners hardly visit. So, who truly owns this house? Those who stay and care for it, or the ones who own it on paper?” the team questioned.
To symbolise this dynamic, the house was wrapped in Kantha, which they likened to a second skin—a layer of care and protection, much like how people preserve things dear to them.
Layers of meaning The kantha on the house is more than an artistic display—it’s a narrative tapestry. GABAA draws parallels between the layered processes of creating a kantha and transforming a house into a home. The autobiographies stitched into the fabric represent the foundational role of homemakers as the first educators and caretakers in society.
“Kantha making becomes a site for active conversations,” the team explained, adding, “This project portrays the autobiographies of these women, while posing critical questions about community-based practices in today’s world.”
A symbol of shared stories Kanthar Ghor is not just a building wrapped in saris, it’s a powerful statement on the value of domestic work, the importance of community, and the unheard voices of women. The project exemplifies how everyday materials and stories can become symbols of resilience and connection, transforming an ordinary house into an extraordinary monument of shared stories.
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