Nakshi Kantha Embroidery with Mahua & Pritikana
Experience Bengal's ancient embroidery traditions of Nakshi Kantha with master artists Pritikana and Mahua in Kolkata, India's historic center for the craft. Learn patterns, layering techniques, and 15 unique stitches while exploring the symbolism and storytelling in Kantha motifs. Outside the studio, visit nearby artisan villages, explore Kolkata's vibrant streets, and spend an afternoon at the oldest museum in Asia.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1300
- Additional guest(s) (max 3)
- USD $810
Meet the Artist
Mahua and her mother, Pritikana, are globally renowned masters of Nakshi Kantha, Bengal’s ancient embroidery tradition dating back to the 8th century. Their work transforms this heritage craft—once a functional form of storytelling—into an art celebrated worldwide. Together, they are not just artists but guardians of a lineage that preserves Bengal’s cultural identity while embracing modern innovation.
Pritikana, a Padma Shri awardee—India’s fourth-highest civilian honor—is a pioneer in the revival of Nakshi Kantha. Her unparalleled ability to decode and reconstruct lost stitch patterns in the 1990s established her as a key figure in preserving this historic art. Her tireless dedication has brought Nakshi Kantha to global attention, with pieces showcased in prestigious museums, exhibitions, and fairs worldwide.
Inspired by her mother’s legacy, Mahua reimagines Nakshi Kantha for contemporary audiences. Drawing on her upbringing in a family steeped in art and craft, she blends tradition with eco-friendly practices. Her meticulous process unfolds naturally, with color, texture, and shape, creating pieces that connect past and present, each Kantha telling a story of rituals, protests, and identities woven into Bengal’s cultural fabric.
For Mahua and Pritikana, Nakshi Kantha is more than an art—it’s a meditative process and a means of storytelling. Every stitch conveys history, emotion, and identity. Through their teaching, they aim to share not just the techniques of Nakshi Kantha but its soul, inspiring others to connect with this timeless craft and create their own narratives.
Pritikana, a Padma Shri awardee—India’s fourth-highest civilian honor—is a pioneer in the revival of Nakshi Kantha. Her unparalleled ability to decode and reconstruct lost stitch patterns in the 1990s established her as a key figure in preserving this historic art. Her tireless dedication has brought Nakshi Kantha to global attention, with pieces showcased in prestigious museums, exhibitions, and fairs worldwide.
Inspired by her mother’s legacy, Mahua reimagines Nakshi Kantha for contemporary audiences. Drawing on her upbringing in a family steeped in art and craft, she blends tradition with eco-friendly practices. Her meticulous process unfolds naturally, with color, texture, and shape, creating pieces that connect past and present, each Kantha telling a story of rituals, protests, and identities woven into Bengal’s cultural fabric.
For Mahua and Pritikana, Nakshi Kantha is more than an art—it’s a meditative process and a means of storytelling. Every stitch conveys history, emotion, and identity. Through their teaching, they aim to share not just the techniques of Nakshi Kantha but its soul, inspiring others to connect with this timeless craft and create their own narratives.
VAWAA Includes:
- Learn the origins and cultural significance of Nakshi Kantha, exploring its traditional patterns, stitches, and cultural values.
- Discover the differences between traditional and contemporary Kantha, and understand what makes this technique unique compared to other forms of embroidery.
- Get an overview of the materials used in Nakshi Kantha today, including fabrics and threads, and demonstration of sustainable ancestral practices that are rarely used today.
- Sketch traditional motifs directly onto fabric, learning the meanings of these deeply rooted symbols.
- Learn how to layer fabrics and prepare your workspace for stitching.
- Explore 15-20 traditional Nakshi Kantha stitches, gaining hands-on experience with each.
- Your own embroidered piece, telling a unique story through the stitches and motifs of Nakshi Kantha.
- Visit the iconic Indian Museum, the largest museum in Asia, to explore its vast cultural collections.
- Explore Kolkata’s dynamic cityscape, taking in the architectural wonders and vibrant street life.
- Day trip to nearby weavers’ communities where artisans use completely organic processes to craft raw materials for Nakshi Kantha, if time permits.
- Enjoy a traditional 7-course Bengali supper to immerse yourself in the region’s rich culinary traditions.
- Optional trips to visit spiritual sites around Kolkata, including Belur Math and Dakshineswar Kali Temple, or a two-day visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shantiniketan and the artisan village of Shriniketan (additional fee).
Explore Kolkata
Kolkata and the Bengal region are celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and artistry. Known for its literary icons, groundbreaking filmmakers, and revolutionary artists, Kolkata offers a sensory immersion—from the grandeur of colonial-era architecture to the vibrant energy of its bustling street markets. It's a large city and the studio is located in a rural neighborhood, about 50 minutes southeast of the city center.
Kolkata's rich creative legacy is deeply connected to Bengal’s traditional artistry, particularly Kantha embroidery. Originating as a storytelling medium, Kantha allowed women to stitch motifs inspired by daily life, folklore, and nature onto layered fabrics, creating unique pieces that embody creativity and resilience. Today, Kolkata and its surrounding Bengal region remain the epicenter of Kantha’s evolution. Artisans and designers honor its heritage while reimagining it for contemporary audiences, blending traditional motifs with modern aesthetics. Each Kantha piece reflects Bengal’s unique ability to weave personal and cultural narratives into every stitch, preserving a timeless craft that continues to inspire.
Kolkata's rich creative legacy is deeply connected to Bengal’s traditional artistry, particularly Kantha embroidery. Originating as a storytelling medium, Kantha allowed women to stitch motifs inspired by daily life, folklore, and nature onto layered fabrics, creating unique pieces that embody creativity and resilience. Today, Kolkata and its surrounding Bengal region remain the epicenter of Kantha’s evolution. Artisans and designers honor its heritage while reimagining it for contemporary audiences, blending traditional motifs with modern aesthetics. Each Kantha piece reflects Bengal’s unique ability to weave personal and cultural narratives into every stitch, preserving a timeless craft that continues to inspire.
Additional Details
The best time to visit Kolkata is from October to February when the weather is cool and pleasant, and festivals like Durga Puja and events such as the Kolkata International Film Festival bring the city to life. March to early April is also enjoyable, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. It’s best to avoid the heat of summer (April-June) and monsoon season (June-September), which brings heavy rains and frequent waterlogging.
Minimum 2 guests are required to book this session. This session can be extended for up to 365 days for special projects or collaborations. Please add a note in your booking request.
This session is not suitable for children under 14 due to the need for significant patience and the use of fine needles, which could pose risks such as finger injuries or eye strain. Additionally, this studio session may be challenging for guests using wheelchairs or those with accessibility needs.
Mahua speaks Bengali, English, and Hindi. Pritikana speaks Bengali.
Minimum 2 guests are required to book this session. This session can be extended for up to 365 days for special projects or collaborations. Please add a note in your booking request.
This session is not suitable for children under 14 due to the need for significant patience and the use of fine needles, which could pose risks such as finger injuries or eye strain. Additionally, this studio session may be challenging for guests using wheelchairs or those with accessibility needs.
Mahua speaks Bengali, English, and Hindi. Pritikana speaks Bengali.