Ph.D Scholar from Gujarat Exploring Lepcha and Bhutia Traditional Textiles and Costumes in Sikkim

Ph.D Scholar from MSU, Baroda, Gujarat, Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Sikkim: Exploring Lepcha and Bhutia Traditional Textiles and Costumes

Garvita Sharma, a Ph.D. scholar working under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Anjali Karolia from the Department of Clothing and Textiles, Faculty of Family and Community Sciences at The Maharaja University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, showcased her first capsule collection at the Northeast Festival in New Delhi on 24th December 2023.

Garvita Sharma & Prof. (Dr.) Anjali Karolia

Her research aims to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, proposing innovative approaches. By reintroducing traditional textiles and costumes of the Lepcha and Bhutia communities with a contemporary twist, drawing inspiration from the traditional cuts and styles, she endeavors to provide these communities with a global platform. Her efforts strive to ensure that the rich heritage of Sikkim finds resonance not only within its borders but across the broader cultural spectrum.

Through her research, she seeks to make Sikkim’s heritage accessible and appealing to the youth, celebrating the fusion of past and present. As she unravels the threads of history in Sikkim, she embarks on a visual and cultural journey showcasing the resilience, diversity, and artistic brilliance of the Lepcha and Bhutia communities. Her research aims to shed light on Sikkim’s cultural treasures, long overdue for recognition on the world stage.

Garvita Sharma presented her collection, “Tradition Reimagined,” at the Northeast Festival in New Delhi.