Boito - INDIA

‘Boito’ was born out of a personal journey of discovery. The name means ‘boat’ in Odia, and is derived from the ancient maritime festival ‘Boita Bandana’ (Worship of the Boats), commemorating the voyage of the Sadhabas - an ancient community of affluent mariner merchants who would sail to distant lands for trade and cultural exchange.

The boita came to embody prosperity, and was reserved in worship. The precious cargo they ferried across the seas included woven textiles - that would yield the principal source of income for the Sadhabas.

Today, Odisha’s textile communities struggle to survive. With rich cultural and artisanal legacies, each craft has distinct aesthetics. Through Boito, our goal is to preserve these traditions, nurture creativity, and contribute to the financial betterment of these communities - all without disrupting their unhurried way of life.

Since its inception in December 2023, Boito has successfully hosted four solo shows across India, honoring the timeless bounty of Odisha’s skilled hands. Building on this momentum, the brand recently unveiled its first artistic installation at the prestigious India Art Fair in February 2025.