SWADHATRI

Swadhatri: Rooted in Memory

Born on March 1, 1940, in Pamarru, Krishna district, B.A. Reddy grew up in a farming family as the eldest of seven children. His childhood was deeply connected to the rhythms of rural life—lush fields, flowing rivers, and close ties to nature shaped his early experiences. Unlike many children in his village, Reddy’s father never sent him to work in the fields. Instead, he encouraged his son’s creative inclinations, allowing him to explore his artistic instincts freely.

Sensitive and artistically inclined he was captivated by the vibrant cultural traditions of his village. Festivals such as Sankranti, Nagapanchami, Gangalamma Jathara, Deepavali, and Vinayaka Chavithi left a lasting impression, later becoming central themes in his work. Until the 1960s, villages thrived as self-sufficient, culturally rich communities. Traditional art forms—including classical dance, folklore, Harikatha, Burrakatha, and leather puppetry—were an integral part of village festivities, deeply influencing Reddy’s artistic sensibilities.