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Unfolding OKHAI
The story of Okhai began in the 1990s, in the drought-stricken Okhamandal region of Gujarat. With agriculture once being the tribal community’s primary livelihood, it was devastated by the harsh conditions. But in the heart of Arambhada village, one woman dared to change the narrative. Ramiben, a gifted artisan, rose as the face of resilience. Determined to uplift her community, she mobilised local women and, with corporate support, laid the foundation for Okhai, a socially driven fashion and lifestyle label/brand rooted in empowerment.
Since its inception, the Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) has been at the forefront of preserving and promoting India’s rich craft traditions, supporting Saurashtra’s vibrant handicrafts in Mithapur, the delicate karjobi work of Babrala, and jute artistry in Haldia, unified under a single inspiring brand – OKHAI.
With organised training, access to self-help groups, and exposure to design thinking and modern production techniques, Okhai became much more than a livelihood initiative. It became a movement. A platform where heritage meets opportunity and where women are not just artisans but changemakers. For TCSRD, the vision has always been clear, ‘to nurture and grow a brand that champions tradition, celebrates craftsmanship, and transforms lives.’
Our Story
At Okhai, we’re proud to be pioneers of a homegrown platform dedicated entirely to contemporary, authentic, and 100% handcrafted fashion and lifestyle products. Every piece we offer is made with care by artisan communities across India and cherished by customers around the world.
What began as a small initiative with a few artisans in Gujarat has grown into a vibrant collective of over 30,000 skilled hands. Each product we create carries the soul of our heritage, celebrating India’s vibrant traditions through a modern lens.
We believe in the power of collaboration. Our artisans work hand in hand with designers and marketers, not just to craft beautiful collections, but to shape a future where rural talent thrives artistically and economically.
And this is only the beginning. As we continue our journey, we remain committed to reviving, reimagining, and sharing the beauty of handcrafted living with the world.
Our Story
At Okhai, we’re proud to be pioneers of a homegrown platform dedicated entirely to contemporary, authentic, and 100% handcrafted fashion and lifestyle products. Every piece we offer is made with care by artisan communities across India and cherished by customers around the world.
What began as a small initiative with a few artisans in Gujarat has grown into a vibrant collective of over 30,000 skilled hands. Each product we create carries the soul of our heritage, celebrating India’s vibrant traditions through a modern lens.
We believe in the power of collaboration. Our artisans work hand in hand with designers and marketers, not just to craft beautiful collections, but to shape a future where rural talent thrives artistically and economically.
And this is only the beginning. As we continue our journey, we remain committed to reviving, reimagining, and sharing the beauty of handcrafted living with the world.
Our Inspiration
At the heart of Okhai lies the rich craft legacy of Okhamandal, celebrated for its intricate mirror work, vibrant patchwork, and expressive embroidery. These age-old techniques, passed down through generations, now find new life in our thoughtfully designed collections that blend tradition with modernity.
From elegant kurtas, churidars, patialas and salwars to chic tops, skirts, tunics, stoles and dupattas, each piece is crafted to appeal to the sensibilities of the consumer.
Our range extends beyond clothing to include uniquely handmade accessories and home décor, offering a handful of India’s artistic heritage reimagined for the contemporary world.
Economic Progress
At Okhai, our programme created livelihoods that empowered people without compromising their personal responsibilities. Our women artisans have the flexibility to work from home or at our centres, earning upwards of ₹20,000 a month, depending on their hours, skills, and the complexity of the designs they craft. This freedom allows them to balance their work with household duties on their own terms.
Today, over 470 families are seeing a steady rise in income, directly improving the lives of more than 3,200 individuals, considering the average family in Okhamandal has 7 to 8 members. And this is just the beginning. In the next five years, we aim to reach over 5,000 women, potentially transforming the lives of 8,000 to 10,000 people through meaningful, sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Economic Progress
At Okhai, our programme created livelihoods that empowered people without compromising their personal responsibilities. Our women artisans have the flexibility to work from home or at our centres, earning upwards of ₹20,000 a month, depending on their hours, skills, and the complexity of the designs they craft. This freedom allows them to balance their work with household duties on their own terms.
Today, over 470 families are seeing a steady rise in income, directly improving the lives of more than 3,200 individuals, considering the average family in Okhamandal has 7 to 8 members. And this is just the beginning. In the next five years, we aim to reach over 5,000 women, potentially transforming the lives of 8,000 to 10,000 people through meaningful, sustainable livelihood opportunities.
