About Us
BONGONIKETAN began as a personal memory.
Founded by Sumana Lahiri, born in Kolkata with roots in Santipur and Phulia in the Nadia district of West Bengal, the journey is deeply intertwined with Bengal's handloom culture. Childhood weekends were shaped by open fields, a grandmother's warmth and the constant thak-thak of handlooms echoing through the house. That sound became both memory and awakening.
A Personal
Memory
Growing up meant understanding weaving in its processes, design language and intricacies while also witnessing its gradual decline. The rise of power-looms, looms falling silent, skilled weavers forced to leave their craft behind, turning to daily wage work to survive.
"Bongoniketan was built as a response to this shift."
With a background in Economics and a lifelong inclination towards design, Sumana Lahiri envisioned a space where fairness forms the foundation fair to the artisan, the craft and the customer.
From the beginning: to work directly with artisans ensuring fair wages, timely payments and dignity of work, while creating pieces that remain true to their origin at their GI locations.
Our
Philosophy
Every piece reflects this intention from the selection of yarn to the final hand-finished detailing. Slow processes, minimal mechanisation and mindful production that respects both the material and the maker.
GI Authenticity
Every piece is created true to its origin at its GI location. Traditional designs preserved in their true form, evolving thoughtfully to remain relevant to contemporary life.
Inherent Sustainability
Sustainability not imposed but lived. Rooted in continuity, low-impact production and long-lasting value that respects both the material and the maker.
Fairness at Every Level
Direct work with artisans ensuring fair wages, timely payments and dignity of work. In a market driven by compromise, we consciously choose otherwise.
Voices That
Define Us
These voices define us more than any statement ever could. Working directly with artisans across Bengal's craft clusters, we witness the real impact of fair, dignified work.
Working with Bongoniketan has helped me gradually come out of a cycle of debt over the years.
We were able to reopen our workshop, which had been shut for a long time. Artisans who had moved away have begun returning and we are able to create work and livelihood again.
I am financially independent now working with didi. I work from home at my ease and receive my payments on time. I am able to take care of my household expenses myself.
handloom & handicraft
authentic craft clusters
Sumana
Lahiri
Founder · Bongoniketan
Born in Kolkata with roots in Nadia district, the journey is deeply intertwined with Bengal's handloom culture. With a background in Economics and a lifelong inclination towards design, she envisioned a space where fairness forms the foundation.
The name reflects its essence: Bongo, a colloquial identity of Bengal and Niketan, meaning a home. A House of Bengal. To deepen this commitment, she pursued academic research integrating economics with handloom studies in her PhD.
The trust built extends beyond individual customers across the world. Designers and textile labels often reach out to collaborate, forming a wider ecosystem that strengthens the craft chain at every level.
Our Team
We are equally shaped by the young minds who work with us. Interns from leading design institutions across the world bring fresh perspectives and evolving aesthetics. The exchange is mutual, we share the depth of craft knowledge and in return, remain connected to a generation that continues to reinterpret tradition.
Sumana Lahiri
Founder, Creative Vision & Operations
Economist by education, designer by self-taught passion and lived experiences. Leads the founding vision, design direction, artisan relationship and core operations.
Basabi Lahiri
Finance & Operations
Alumna of the Indian Statistical Institute. Joined after retirement from senior leadership, bringing rigorous structure to finance and operations.
Vivek Sankhwal
Creative direction, Digital & Technology
Artist by instinct, engineer by training. Leads creative direction, digital presence and technology.
A Timeline
of Trust
Bongoniketan is Born
Born from a deeply personal connection to Bengal's handloom traditions. An attempt to hold on to a fading rhythm, the intimacy of craft and the dignity of the artisan's work. The first step towards a space rooted in authenticity and continuity.
Beyond Handloom
The journey expanded to include Bengal's diverse handicraft traditions. Recognition followed with the GI Baluchari association under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative.
Digital Presence
With the launch of bongoniketan.in, handcrafted textiles and objects entered the digital space, bringing the craft of rural Bengal directly to a global audience.
A Timeline of Trust
From a single beginning to a growing network of over 50 artisans across handloom and handicraft. Each artisan, each weave and each object carries forward a shared commitment to keep the craft alive, relevant and respected.
