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SWATI GUPTA
Multidisciplinary Designer | Artist
Documentary Film
A short documentary on Khejarli Village, Rajasthan, capturing how the community’s deep-rooted beliefs, reverence for nature, and the sacred Khejri tree shape their traditions, art, craft, and everyday life.The film was developed as a scholarship project for admission to Accademia Costume & Moda, Rome.
Rooted in Belief: A Visual Journey into Life in Khejarli
The film follows the lives of people in Khejarli, about the Bishnoi community's love for plant and animal life. Even at the price of sacrificing their lives to protect the environment, they have protected the flora and fauna for centuries.
A trip to one of the driest places in Rajasthan inspired me to shoot this independent documentary. What intrigued me most about this community is how its beliefs and culture have influenced its crafts and the amazing dedication of its people. Bishnoi - 'Bish' means twenty and 'noi' means nine - for their 29 principles emphasizing the protection of plant and animal life. Everything they have done so far and does around their two most important principles given by guru Jambeshwar:
“Jeev daya palni”- be compassionate to all living beings.
“Runkh leelo nahi ghave”- not to cut green trees
Photos from Khejarli Village – Left to right: Tribute to the Bishnoi community’s sacrifice during the Khejarli Massacre to protect Khejri trees, and artisans crafting animal and bird figures, reflecting their deep bond with nature.
Throughout the film, it is shown how the community attempted to preserve their traditional ways of living and beliefs which have influenced every aspect of their lives. These traditional lifestyles and beliefs affect everything they think and do.
This film explores how this community thinks, feels, values, acts, and expresses itself.
A photograph capturing a local woman from Khejarli.
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