In rural India, kaleidoscopic saris protect precious crops

“So instead of using dull colours that fencing cloths usually come in, my neighbours think this is a much more foolproof method,” says Khambe. Rural Maharashtra commonly depends on monsoon rains to grow rice. But recent interest in growing winter vegetables has led to a need to safeguard their crops in harsh weather conditions—where the farmers can’t be as vigilant. A repertoire of saris, from the closets of the women in Ramgad, is easily available. Khambe says, “They solve the purpose, and add some brightness too.”

Khambe has grown up and lived in this village all his life, and he believes his photographs document the lived realities of a community that doesn’t make it to films or stories. “I generally enjoy taking pictures of the people and their unique fashion while they go about their daily chores—from women selling fish to actors dressing up for jatra (folk theatre) festivals.” He has spent all of his forty-two years in his hometown. “I have never moved out. So in most of my work, my connection with the land is very evident”. A commerce graduate, he did not take up photography until he was thirty-two.

Without much guidance in the field, Khambe decided to work odd jobs in computer repair in his village until he stumbled upon a camera. “Photography brings me a lot of joy now. I am proudly a full-time photographer and that is what I want to do for the rest of my life—to preserve Sindhudurg in a way,” Khambe tells Vogue India.