‘Boito’ was born out of a personal journey of discovery. The name means ‘boat’ in Odia, and is derived from the ancient maritime festival ‘Boita Bandana’ (Worship of the Boats), commemorating the voyage of the Sadhabas - an ancient community of affluent mariner merchants, who would sail to distant lands for trade and cultural exchange.

The boit came to embody prosperity, and was revered in worship. The precious cargo they ferried across the seas included woven textiles - that would yield the principal source of income for the Sadhabas.

Today, Odisha’s textile communities struggle to survive. With rich cultural and artisanal legacies, each craft has distinct aesthetics. Through Boito, our goal is to preserve these traditions, nurture creativity, and contribute to the financial betterment of these communities - all without disrupting their unhurried way of life.

“In many ways, the story of Boito is a story of homecoming… my own.

Odisha has always been my first love, and as time passed - I felt more and more drawn to my roots. In June 2022, I finally took the plunge. After fifteen years at SAP, I took a sabbatical to deep-dive into indigenous Odia culture and heritage - travelling to the remotest parts of my home state. This was how the idea behind Boito first germinated.

Through my travels, I was introduced to communities who welcomed me into their homes and showered me with a familiar warmth I was determined to absorb. Everything about their slow pace of life was enchanting. I saw firsthand how textile-making is a central focus in indigenous family life.

Odisha is a land of stories - often told through textiles. I was intrigued by the techniques, the age-old motifs, the artisans and their inherited skills - all fascinating narratives that come together for every unique piece.

Weaving communities have an expertise that cannot be rivalled by fast fashion. But the lure towards the power loom is real, with a dwindling interest in the next generation to pursue their precious craft.

What surfaced for me was loud and clear. I had to find a way to prosper these art forms and keep this beauty alive.

Boito was harvested from this original objective - to set afloat a collaborative platform seeking to empower Odisha’s textile artisans and communities.

RICHA MAHESHWARI
Founder, Boito