Kullvi Whims

Reviving Himalayan Wool Traditions

Kullvi Whims is a social enterprise rooted in the textile heritage of Himachal Pradesh, India. Collaborating with over 300 artisans celebrates the Gaddi community’s nomadic traditions and deep connection to the Himalayan landscape while generating income. Established in 2012 by Nisha Subramaniam and Brighu Acharya, Kullvi Whims works with communities in the Kullu, Lahaul, and Kinnaur Valleys to preserve and elevate the practices of hand-spinning, weaving, and knitting wool.

Through a hyper-local supply chain, they partner with semi-nomadic shepherds who provide indigenous Himalayan wool, replacing synthetic materials that once disrupted traditional practices. By reviving oral histories and time-honored techniques, Kullvi Whims has refined the wool to be softer and more versatile while creating meaningful opportunities for older community members whose knowledge of hand-spinning had nearly been forgotten.

Their shawls and stoles, adorned with GI-tagged (Geographical Indication - which is an Intellectual Property of the geography) motifs, reflect the Himalayan environment and daily life. Each piece, including designs like the ‘Chashm’ motif symbolizing water, represents more than craftsmanship—it embodies a living legacy. Kullvi Whims’ work not only preserves cultural identity but also fosters sustainability and strengthens the bond between community and heritage, ensuring these traditions endure for generations to come.