Putting Leisure On The Agenda: How This Bengaluru Space Lets Women Pause

Every Women's Day, the world suddenly fawns over women doing extraordinary things, from skiing in a saree to earning a PhD in their 80s, or even making painstaking sacrifices for their loved ones. Yet, somewhere between celebrating their achievements and romanticising their unpaid labour, we forget to recognise one thing that is really a luxury for most women: leisure.

Artist Indu Antony is exploring this space, creating work and experiences that allow women to take a break, breathe, and exist without the obligation to perform. 

“You see this a lot in public spaces, where men are just relaxing, sitting around, going to chai shops. But women do not have that much freedom," Indu reflects in an interview with SheThePeople.

"From a young age, girls are constantly asked to be productive and prepare for domestic work. I wanted a space where women could simply do nothing, just relax and be themselves."

That's how she created 'Namme Katte' (transl: our space) in Bengaluru's Lingarajapuram, a place where women can step away from their routines and embrace stillness. At least for a brief moment. 

It is an unassuming, intimate space tucked in the heart of a bustling locality. Outside, a hand-painted sign reads, 'Ladies Only.' Inside, the walls are lined with an intriguing installation of clay human ears.

Bhagya, who tends Namma Katte, tells me, "The ears signify that Namma Katte hears you; it is there for you. We ladies handmade these ears with Indu's help."

She adds, "At home, we women are tied down with chores; we get weighed down with stress. Coming here relieves us. We can talk to each other about anything without judgment and feel lighter."

Feeling seen and heard is a big part of why this place resonates with women. It’s not just a rest area, but a safe space for women to unwind, bond with each other, and exchange stories.

Every evening, women in the locality gather for a chai break, sharing laughter, finding solidarity, and savouring a much-needed breather before getting back to the daily grind.

Nellamma, a nearby resident and regular visitor to the space, caught up with me for a few minutes before rushing back home to make rottis for her family of six.

She shared, "Most places we see are dominated by men. As women, we don't feel comfortable going there. But here, we can feel like we belong. We can sit and relax."

As Indu explains, "Women rarely get permission to pause, to just exist. Namme Katte gives them that freedom. It’s a small act of reclaiming time and space that belongs to them."

No More Asking Permission

When Namma Katte was first started five years ago, the response was mixed. Some neighbours were curious, others apprehensive. "Our husbands thought we were up to something suspicious," shared Bhagya.

Indu recounted, "Initially, there was a lot of resistance. I remember when some men would come and ask their wives to go home. I think it was odd for them to see their wives do nothing!"

Even women were hesitant at first. "Spaces like this aren’t quick interventions; they require ongoing effort," reflected Indu. "But over time, many women have reclaimed the space and made it their own."

Today, the locality has come to love the concept of this space. From Wednesday-evening tea parties to Friday storytelling sessions, Namma Katte has grown into a vibrant community hub.

Art & Reclamation

Namma Katte has evolved into a lens through which Indu Antony views the broader intersection of art, gender, and public space.