Bhoomi Habba:The Earth Festival
Celebrating Resilience and Sustainability

Bhoomi Habba 2025 presented a unique and diverse range of events, all carefully tailored to its central theme of “climate resilience and sustainable communities”.

• Artistic Expressions: Attendees experienced powerful artistic expressions designed to deepen their relationship with the Earth and explore themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion. These included “Bound by Soil: A Requiem for the Forgotten” by Anuradha Venkataraman, Baul songs by Santi Priya, dance performances by Apsarangan/Nritta Tribe, Odissi Dance by Mayuri Das and Theatre presentations by Visthar Ranga Shale.
• Engaging Storytelling: Storytelling sessions captivated audiences. “Treevellers Katte,” facilitated by Charumathi Supraja, connected participants with nature’s wisdom, while Ramya Iyer explored with the gathering ‘porulin kural’ or object’s voice with the lens of Earth.
• Interactive Workshops: The festival featured numerous hands-on workshops fostering creativity, skill-building, and upcycling. Examples included Suminagashi (Japanese marbling) by Abhishek Jude Sam, cartooning with Dinesh Francis, Warli painting by Deeksha, a DIY Asalato Workshop with Siddharth Venkat, “Trash to Toys” with Antara Mukharjee, and Handmade Paper-making Workshops by Steven, Srujana/Visthar.
• Thought-Provoking Screenings & Discussions:  Screenings and discussions
  complemented the hands-on learning. The documentary “Waste and the
  City,” for instance, was followed by conversations led by Bhargavi Rao, highlighting positive change in waste management. Kshitij P.N. led interactivesessions on climate change in the metropolis, and documentaries and discussions curated by Amudhan explored global climate change and community resilience.
• Informative Exhibitions & Recreational Activities: Visitors benefited from exhibitions such as the “Soil Exhibition” by Soil Vasu, which unearthed the vital microscopic world beneath our feet. This was complemented by poster exhibitions from Visthar on gender and climate change. Recreational activities like traditional Indian game sessions with Ima reCreation fostered problem-solving and teamwork, adding a fun, engaging dimension.
• Eco-Enterprises & Stalls: The vibrant, sustainable Eco-Enterprises & Stalls featured ethical and organic products. These were from organizations like The Timbaktu Collective, Black Baza Coffee, Desi Trust, People Kraft, Nirvana Garden Concepts, Earthen Being, Pumpkin Patch, Bee Story, Brics Bio, and Elements Organics, among many others. This section truly showcased practical pathways to sustainable consumption.

Bhoomi Habba truly lives up to its name as a celebration of diversity, creating an inherently inclusive space that meticulously caters to a wide spectrum of age groups and interests. The festival’s rich program ensures there’s something for everyone:

• For Children: Dedicated workshops, such as Suminagashi, traditional games, and captivating storytelling sessions, offer fun, educational, and hands-on experiences.
• For Youth: Opportunities abound to actively engage with pressing environmental issues, hone skills in creative workshops like cartooning and DIY instrument making, and foster connections with like-minded peers.
• For Adults: Participants could dive into in-depth conversations, attend insightful film screenings, and acquire practical skills through workshops such as upcycling. The vibrant eco stalls also presented numerous sustainable lifestyle choices.
• For Art and Culture Enthusiasts: The festival showcased diverse performances, including music, dance, and theatre, offering enriching cultural experiences imbued with powerful environmental messages. Jambe Balu and team infused the Habba with infectious energy and vibrancy.
• For Nature Lovers: The serene Visthar eco-sanctuary setting provided an immersive backdrop. Events like ‘Treevellers’ Katte’ and the ‘Soil Exhibition’ offer unique opportunities to connect with and learn about the natural world.

The global ecological crisis is deeply rooted in a mindset that treats nature and humans as resources to be exploited for profit. This worldview has led to overconsumption, inequality, and ecological collapse. At Bhoomi Habba, we advocate for a shift in consciousness toward care, interdependence, and justice. Real change starts with rethinking our everyday choices: consuming less, supporting local and sustainable alternatives, reviving traditional wisdom, and building community. Festivals like Bhoomi Habba aim to spark this shift, reminding people that solutions exist and are often rooted in simple, thoughtful actions at the individual and collective levels.

People are increasingly recognizing the urgency of the climate crisis. They are embracing sustainable practices, seeking alternative lifestyles, and amplifying grassroots voices. Many such initiatives are part of Bhoomi Habba, including The Timbaktu Collective from Andhra Pradesh, Elements Organic, and the Fair Trade Alliance of Kerala. Numerous networks and organizations are working tirelessly to address these issues, build resilience, and foster community, sowing seeds for a sustainable future. Their contributions are invaluable, and it’s crucial that we continue to strengthen and support these initiatives.

We understand that change will not come overnight. However, just like in the seed-ball making workshop by the Environmentalist Foundation of India(EFI), what starts as a small act can bloom into something transformative when nurtured with care and community.

Mercy Kappen
Visthar (www.visthar.org)