Kullvi Whims
GADDIS WOOL'S SPINNERS, WEAVERS, NATURAL DYERS, AND KNITTERS
KULLU VALLEY, THE HIMALAYAN REGION OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
Founded in 2012 by Nisha Subramaniam and Brighu Acharya, Kullvi Whims stands for the beauty inherent in slow craft processes which match the seasonal rhythms of mountain life.
In the heart of the Kullu Valley is a group of women revitalising their traditional craft practices.
We discovered Kullvi Whims in early 2024 at DASTKAR Delhi, a local craft fair, after inquiring with Brighu about the origin of his beautifully crafted patchwork sweater. This serendipitous encounter introduced us to a vibrant world of Kullvi treasures and a compelling narrative of the community systems they are nurturing.
The women involved are traditional artisans who have learned their skills—spinning, weaving, knitting, and crochet—from family members. They primarily practice these crafts for personal use, creating items such as woven pattus and blankets, as well as knitted sweaters, mojiris, and socks.
Their wool is sourced from the Gaddi tribe, a local pastoral community that shepherds their herds across extensive traditional grazing lands. The wool is then naturally dyed using local flora and fauna, resulting in pieces that embody the Himalayan landscape—from sheep to sweater—and support the local economy sustainably.