Kullu: This is a moment of pride not just for the state’s indigenous wool producers but for every craftsman associated with the trade, every village and every woman in Himachal who continues to nurture and preserve the local heritage, weaving masterpieces with their hands and hearts.
Brighu Acharya, a founder of the Kullvi Whims groups discloses, “We are happy to share a historic first, Kullvi Whims is representing Himachal Pradesh’s indigenous wool (Desi Oon) on a global platform for the very first time.
From 8th to 22nd June 2025, as part of a special program organised by The Anjelms Project in Fremantle, Australia, two master artisans from Kullu, Lata and Sapna are in Perth, accompanied by Brighu Raj Acharya and Nisha Subramaniam, founders of Kullvi Whims. Together they are leading an immersive workshop sharing the essence of the Himalayas with an international audience demonstrating local spinning using traditional tools, knitting, weaving, felting, and natural dyeing techniques.
“We are taking our crafts to new lands. From the Himalayas to Fremantle, our journey begins—carrying stories, wool, and the spirit of the mountains to the coast,” Acharya further adds.
“What makes this journey especially meaningful is that both our artisans Lata and Sapna travelling abroad for the very first time not as students, but as teachers, storytellers, and cultural ambassadors, “he adds.
“We never imagined we would step out of our village, let alone fly across the world because of our wool and knitting,” says Lata, her eyes sparkling with emotion.
“To represent our traditions on such a platform is beyond a dream. We are humbled and proud,” Says Sapna expressing her joy and pride on this achievement.
Nisha Subramanian, also a founder of the group says, “The response to the workshop has been overwhelming with over 80% of seats already booked. Even in Australia, a global hub for Merino wool, there is heartfelt interest in our Himalayan wool, handmade traditions, and our slow, sustainable, women-led approach to craft.
“This powerful moment reaffirms what we’ve always believed. Our roots are strong. Our stories matter. And the hands of our women carry not just skill, but legacy. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have supported this journey from the hills of Himachal to the shores of Australia,” she adds further.
Thanking The Anjelms Project and to all supporters for believing in the spirit of organisation (Kullvi Whims) work Acharya assured to continue to carry the warmth of local wool and the strength of local women artisans to the world.
It’s worth mentioning here that Kullvi Whims is a self help group of women of Kullu Valley. All women are traditional artisans, expert in craft practice of spinning, knitting, weaving ‘pattus’ (traditional woollen attire) etc. It was founded in 2012 by Nisha Subramanian and Bhriguraj Acharya.
A theater artist, a script writer and a TV anchor, news is something that grips Renuka. She lives in Kullu.
