Sarita, 33, had early years marked by a lot of responsibilities. She witnessed the effort it took to sustain a family and understood, from a young age, that work could become both survival and dignity.
She began weaving at just 14, learning first through observation, then through repetition, discipline, and need. What started as a way to support her family became a lifelong language of craft.
Today, Sarita is recognised for her command of traditional woven patterns, including Parewa Aankha, Ita Butta, Chhadke Butta, and Dalle Butta. Each motif carries memory. Each piece carries the presence of the maker.
Her work is not decoration. It is an inheritance, shaped by hand.
Kulung was born in Dangkila, Ward No. 2 of Silichong Rural Municipality in Sankhuwasabha. She currently lives in Khandbari, the district headquarters.
She has been involved in skill-based work using Allo, also known as Himalayan nettle, for the past 18 years. Around 18 years ago, when she was about 14 years old, her father used to carry salt, rice, and flour on his back from Hile and Dharan so that the family could eat at home. He would often say, “We do not have money. How can we bring food? What can we use to buy rice and salt?”
Hearing those words made her very sad. She started thinking about what she could do. At that time, one of her friends used to weave shawls with Dalle Butta patterns. Sarita thought she should also learn that skill. So she went to her friend’s house continuously for about five to seven days to learn. Slowly, she began to understand the work.
After that, she kept practising at home. Little by little, she became used to weaving. Today, she can weave many traditional patterns, including Itta Butta, Chhadke Butta, Parewa Aankha, Dalle Butta, and many others.
— Sarita Kulung
Sarita’s early years were marked by responsibility. She witnessed the effort it took to sustain a family and understood, from a young age, that work could become both survival and dignity.
The loom became a place of discipline. Thread by thread, she built skill. Pattern by pattern, she built confidence. Over time, what began as a necessity became mastery.
Her textiles hold that history without speaking loudly. They carry the quiet strength of a woman who has lived with the craft long enough to make it feel effortless.
In every woven surface, there is rhythm. In every irregularity, there is proof of the hand. In every finished piece, there is a life of knowledge that no machine can imitate.
Estimated lead time for custom pieces is currently 2-3 weeks.
