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

Boats used for these journeys would carry precious cargo, including woven textiles - that would yield the principal source of income for Sadhabas at the time. Women from the families of travelling sailors would perform rituals to ensure their safe passage. Today, this festival, also known as Bali Jatra, is celebrated with the symbolic floating of decorated miniature boats.

Odisha’s remote weaving communities have rich cultural and artisanal legacies - each with distinct aesthetics. But they struggle to survive today. Through Boito, our goal is to preserve their crafts, nurture creativity, and contribute to financial betterment - all without disrupting their unhurried way of life.

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

In June 2022, after fifteen years at SAP, I took a sabbatical to deep-dive into indigenous Odia culture and heritage - travelling to the most remote parts of my home state.

This was when 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 saw firsthand how textile-making is a central focus in indigenous family life, and how methods and motifs have endured for generations.

But despite the magic in their textiles, these weavers struggle to make ends meet - leading to dwindling interest in the next generation of artisans 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 that empowers Odisha’s weaving communities."

RICHA MAHESHWARI
Founder, Boito