19/01/2022
Kaincha. Golden Grass. Vetiver zizanoids. It is known by many names but for the women of Thailo village, Jagatsinghpur it means a new identity, a means to create a legacy of their own.
When the super cyclone hit the coastal district of Jagatsinghpur in 1999, it left the villages ravaged, people helpless and communities torn. Not ones to bow down to the circumstances the women of the village, with the help of an NGO called Unnayan, formed themselves into a federation called Janani Maha Mahila Mandal, a body of 500 women artisans. They turned to the Kaincha grass, that grew in abundance around them. Making handicrafts out of the grass was an age-old tradition in the families. But with the help of the federation they could turn it into a means of livelihood and employment.
Today their products, once a dying tradition, are been recognised all over the world. The products are not just beautiful with intricate designs, but also eco-friendly, sustainable and stands for a cause.
The pandemic has hit the artisans hard. With lockdowns, restrictions on the movement of goods and transportation, the livelihood of many women have taken a hit. But this also provided an opportunity to connect with you, the craft lovers, directly.
It is our extreme delight to be able to connect and bring you along on our journey. We have a wide variety of products waiting for you. Stay tuned!
