Kullvi Whims: Empowering Himalayan Artisans on the Global Stage
Kullvi Whims Shines at International Folk Art Market
Pallavi Sharma
DHARAMSHALA:
Kullvi Whims, a self-help group led by women from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, has gained international acclaim, recently featured in a prominent article by a well-known US media outlet. This recognition highlights how grassroots craftsmanship from India is increasingly influencing global discussions on handmade economies, sustainability, and cultural exchange.
The article discusses the challenges posed by rising tariffs, visa restrictions, and trade uncertainties on global craft platforms like the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe. While many exhibitors expressed difficulties in participating due to fluctuating costs and regulatory issues, Kullvi Whims was noted as a social enterprise that continues to showcase Himalayan artisans on the world stage despite these obstacles.
Amplifying the Voices of Himalayan Artisans
Established in 2012, Kullvi Whims collaborates with over 300 women artisans from the Kullu valley, who spin, knit, and weave wool sourced directly from local shepherds. Nisha Subramaniam, co-founder alongside Brighu Acharya, emphasized in the article that despite uncertainties surrounding tariffs and currency fluctuations, their enterprise is committed to participating in global craft events to ensure that the stories of small-scale Indian artisans are heard internationally.
The report highlights how policy changes often disproportionately impact handmade and small-batch producers who operate on narrow profit margins. Kullvi Whims’ inclusion in the article illustrates how Indian craft collectives are navigating these challenges while maintaining livelihoods rooted in traditional practices.
Connecting Local Shepherds to Global Markets
Kullvi Whims has established a comprehensive local value chain, collaborating closely with Gaddi shepherds who provide raw wool from high-altitude pastures. The wool is hand-spun, dyed naturally using local plants like walnut husk and madder, and crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
What started as a household craft for personal use has transformed into a sustainable enterprise that links remote Himalayan villages with buyers and collectors worldwide. Each product embodies not just material value but also narratives of landscape, migration, and cultural heritage.
Merging Tradition with Modern Design
At Kullvi Whims, design is inspired by storytelling. Traditional Himachali motifs found in shawls, pattus, and knitwear are carefully studied, reinterpreted, and adapted to contemporary styles while preserving their cultural significance.
This approach has rekindled interest in indigenous wool and slow fashion, positioning the collective as a bridge between heritage and modern markets.
Over the years, the Naggar-based studio has quietly evolved into a hub for artists, designers, and travelers seeking authentic Himalayan craftsmanship. Its increasing international visibility, now bolstered by the mention in the New York Times, has reinforced the collective’s identity as a representative voice for India’s artisan communities.
Growing Recognition and Support
The global recognition comes alongside rising domestic acknowledgment. Recently, Bollywood actress and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut visited the Kullvi Whims studio in Naggar, engaging with women artisans and commending their efforts in preserving Himachal’s wool traditions. This visit has further elevated the collective’s profile, showcasing how a small women-led initiative from the mountains is gaining traction both in India and abroad.