In the quiet village of Musthuli and its surrounding communities in West Bengal, India, life moves to the steady rhythm of the loom. Here, we work closely with family-run weavers whose craft has been passed down through generations. The region is home to clusters of artisans, each specialising in distinct weaving traditions. Around 80-90 artisans in these villages hand-weave the textiles we use in all our seasonal collections, the dresses you wear, each metre created slowly, patiently, and with care.

At the heart of almost every home is a traditional wooden foot-pedal loom, proudly positioned in a central room. It is both a source of livelihood and a symbol of identity. These looms are often assembled using locally found materials, reflecting the resourcefulness of the community. Setting up a loom can take up to two weeks, and it is a collective effort — neighbours gather to help, share knowledge, and prepare the loom for weaving.

The weaving process itself is entirely manual. Skilled hands guide the shuttle while bare feet control the pedals below, adjusting tension and rhythm with remarkable precision. Depending on the thickness of the yarn, a weaver produces an average of six metres of fabric per day. Natural breakages are hand-knotted, shuttle changes are done with care, and each length of cloth is limited — shaped by the realities of working by hand rather than machine.

This slow, deliberate process is centuries old, and its results cannot be replicated on modern looms. The fabric carries a quiet irregularity, a subtle texture that speaks of the human touch behind it. Each thread tells a story — of time, skill, and deep connection to craft.

At Sahana, these textiles form the foundation of our garments. They are made to last, to be worn gently and often, and to honour the hands that created them. By choosing handloom, we help keep this ancient craft alive, supporting rural livelihoods and preserving traditions that deserve to endure.