The Art of Silk: Bandhabi Presents Silkotsav

Bandhabi - The Store, the renowned textile and design house founded by entrepreneur Ms Mehuli Thakur, is set to present Silkotsav, a unique celebration dedicated entirely to Silk along with Tussar - its legacy, versatility, sustainability and timeless elegance.

Marking over 21 years of Bandhabi - The Store’s journey with silk, Silkotsav brings together a brand new range of handwoven, hand-painted creations crafted from the finest pure resham and tussar silks, sourced primarily from West Bengal and other silk-producing regions of India. Staying true to its philosophy, Bandhabi - The Store continues to work exclusively with organic threads and fabrics, maintaining a completely manual process - from weaving the fabric to painting and conceptualising each garment.

“From the very beginning, Bandhabi - The Store has worked only with authentic, organic silk. Every piece we create is entirely handmade - from the weaving of the fabric to the hand-painting done using acid colour techniques. No machines are involved, except for basic tailoring. Silk, especially pure resham and tussar, allows artwork to become a permanent part of the fabric, something no other material can offer,” said Ms Mehuli Thakur, Founder of Bandhabi - The Store Speaking about the vision behind Silkotsav.

An accomplished painter herself, Ms Mehuli Thakur has pioneered the use of hand-painted acid colour techniques on silk, creating saris and conceptual garments that have found appreciation across the globe. Silkotsav highlights silk not merely as a festive fabric, but as an everyday, climate-friendly textile ideal for India’s tropical conditions.

“In a country like India, where summer dominates most of the year, we need fabrics that come from our soil and work with our climate. Pure silk is 200% suitable for summers. Silkotsav is also about breaking the myth that silk is heavy or seasonal - it is, in fact, one of the most breathable and elegant fabrics we can wear,” added Ms Thakur.

Silkotsav, to be held on 16th & 17th January, 2026 at Raydiant: Book Café & Bistro will showcase a wide range of saris and contemporary silhouettes, all crafted exclusively in silk, presenting fresh ways to style the fabric without relying on heavy embellishments like zari or glitter. Instead, the focus remains on art, colour, texture and sustainability, offering a parallel fashion narrative rooted in craftsmanship and comfort. Silkotsav also aims to create awareness about conscious fabric choices and encourage the use of pure, organic Indian silks, especially in everyday fashion.

Exhibition Name: Silkotsav by Bandhabi - The Store

Date: 16th & 17th January, 2026

Time: 11:00 am onwards

Venue: Raydiant: Book Café & Bistro, 18/7 Dover Lane, Kolkata - 700029