This upcoming tattoo carnival in Goregaon celebrates traditions and communities

This upcoming tattoo carnival in Goregaon celebrates traditions, cultures and communities, and brings together artists and performers

Getting a tattoo for me is a part of the process of healing,” shares 47-year-old Andre Tully (inset), who flew back from Singapore to India last weekend, just in time for the second edition of Kula Worldwide, a community project that kickstarts in Goregaon’s Nesco January 19 onwards. Featuring over 300 artistes from 20 countries, the gathering aims at celebrating communities and cultures through tattoos and inking, performing arts, music, digital art and more.

“Many get tattoos to cover scars; some like me get it to commemorate the passing of their beloved dog, others may look at it as way to move on from abuse, mark the tiresome battle against cancer or to simply appreciate this form of body art,” Tully explains why inking is a huge part of the three-day gathering. Adding that he doesn’t like to address Kula as a festival, he says that the idea is for it to be a community project that honours co-existence.

“Everyone has a different lifestyle; some like to follow the traditional way of living, while others may like it to be modern or contemporary. This project is not about either; it is about using this space created to co-exist to revisit the roots and constantly evolve as a community,” he says, “We will showcase cultural practices, bringing communities together for a shared future and celebrating the spirit of artistic endeavours despite the challenges. We come together to pay respect to our traditions, ancient practices while connecting the contemporary and modern. We firmly believe in standing strong in our culture and keeping culture alive as the world goes through layers of changes.”

A tribute to tribal groups from across the world like the Baigi, Warli and Iban people, among others, the project will introduce hand-poked and hand-tapped tattoo artists. Alongside this is a curation of international and Indian performers who will pay a tribute to the rising hip-hop culture. “One of the highlights of the event is the hand-made sound system, inspired by [Afrika] Bambaataa-led hip-hop and reggae movement,” he reveals.

On January 19 to January 21; 11 am onwards
At Hall no 5, Nesco Centre, Goregaon.
Log on to insider.in (for entry passes); @kulaworldwide (for complete line-up)
Entry Rs 499 onwards

Fun fact

Hand-tapped and hand-poked tattoos are supposed to hurt 70 per cent less than machine-done options
- Andre Tully

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