The Story of Kullvi Whims

Kullvi Whims is a social enterprise based in Naggar, Himachal
Pradesh in India founded by Nisha Subramaniam and Brighu Raj Acharya.

Nisha has been involved in community development and working with women artisans in Himachal for over 10 years. Her interest in traditional craft and how it can fit into the modern lifestyles of artisans while still maintaining its cultural context has motivated her to explore the craft, vernacular and pastoral traditions of Himachal in depth.

She is also interested in facilitating knowledge transmission through ethical collaborations between artisans and designers and has designed courses and workshops focusing on sustainable design for various design and architecture institutes in India.

Brighu is founder of Himalayan Brothers Adventure, a local eco-travel company alongside Kullvi Whims. He has an extensive knowledge of the local crafts and heritage of Kullu and surrounding valleys. Much of this has been gained during extensive travel visiting remote and often nearly inaccessible villages and hamlets.

Over the past few years he has conducted many study and craft tours in various part of Himachal Pradesh. He has been energetic in spreading his philosophy of strengthening local practices through involving local youth to come together with students from urban areas in various activities like tree-planting, installing dustbins and beautifying the village.

100% Handspun, handknit & handwoven naturally - dyed indigenous wool

With a focus on indigenous Himalayan wool from Gaddi Sheep (a special sheep known to this area), Kullvi Whims work with traditional female artisans in Kullu Valley employing craft, heritage and fibres that have been integral for generations - and hopefully for many more to come.

From fleece to fabric, every step of their value chain from sourcing wool from the nomadic shepherds who traverse the Himalayan ranges, to natural dyeing with local flora, spinning the yarn, knitting and weaving, they endeavor to embed their abundant landscape in all that they offer.

Co-Creating

This collaboration is the start of Kafi Folk exploring items specifically for the cooler months.

In January 2023, we started discussing patterns and colorways and we began this new journey together by creating woolen accessories.

We believe that this is a project that will broaden our horizons, teach us more about the beautiful crafts of India whilst supporting local women to continue their heritage craft and pass it down.