AboutBihart
About
Bihart

In the heart of Bihar, a fashion revolution is quietly unfolding. Bihart, launched in 2020, isn't just another clothing brand—it's a promise to preserve Bihar's forgotten artistic treasures. While Madhubani and Bhagalpuri silk bask in the limelight, Bihart dives deep into the state's lesser-known gems: Sujani, Applique/ Khatwa, Madhubani and Sikki. Our collections celebrate the beauty of traditional techniques such as Extra Weft, Twill, and Fishnet, weaving them into contemporary designs.  

With every stitch and weave, Bihart is not just creating fashion; it's breathing new life into dying arts. 
AboutSumati Jalan
About
Sumati Jalan

" To change the world, you must first change the way it's seen "

Meet Sumati Jalan: An art aficionado, cultural rebel, and a visionary who dared to reshape the story of her home state, Bihar. Raised amongst a treasure trove of global antiques, Sumati's childhood provided her with an enriched and extensive understanding of global art history. But it was her 17-year stint away from Bihar that ignited a fire.  

Tired of hearing "You don't look Bihari" as a compliment, this 42-year-old dynamo decided to flip the script. In 2018, she didn't just return to Patna, but she came back with a mission to redefine what "Bihari" means to the world.  

 

Sumati's Bihart Journey 

Sumati Jalan's journey with Bihart is a tale of resilience and vision. Launched in February 2020, the brand faced immediate challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

When the world zipped up, she pivoted, initially leaning on popular Madhubani to keep the lights on. But true to her vision, she soon steered Bihart back to its original mission: preserving Bihar's lesser-known crafts & arts through clothing. From battling talent shortages to winning collaborations with global foundations, Sumati's journey is a testament to grit, creativity, and an unshakeable love for Bihar's artistic soul. 

Sumati's strategy involved upskilling artisans and blending traditional techniques with contemporary designs. Bihart expanded through offline and online channels, attracting attention nationwide and collaborating with major foundations. Throughout, Sumati remained committed to creating sustainable, handmade products that showcase Bihar's rich heritage and change perceptions globally. 

With every stitch and weave, Bihart continues to embroider a new narrative for Bihar, one that's as rich and vibrant as its centuries-old artistic legacy. 

Reviving Dying Crafts

Bihart is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Bihar's traditional crafts, such as Sujani, Manjusha, and Sikki, which are at risk of extinction. By focusing on these lesser-known art forms, Bihart helps maintain the state's rich cultural heritage.

Supporting Local Artisans 

We developed an artisan cluster for Sujani and Applique. The cluster consists of 14 women now. It started with two master artisans who have trained other women and helped them learn the craft and gain employment. These artisans are employed full-time with Bihart. Apart from this, Bihart collaborates with multiple weaving clusters and upskills them to create fabrics and styles more relevant to the market today.  

 This collaboration not only sustains traditional craftsmanship but also supports local livelihoods. 

Creating Sustainable Fashion

Bihart emphasizes sustainable practices by using hand-spun and hand-woven fabrics.  Our commitment to quality and sustainability aligns with the growing demand for ethical fashion, offering eco-friendly products that appeal to a broader market. We are not a fast fashion brand and are very mindful of our designs and inventory. We utilise every scrap of our fabrics making us a proud zero-waste Brand.  

Empowering Women

Through its operations, Bihart contributes to women's empowerment by providing employment opportunities for women artisans and designers. The brand's work helps in uplifting women from the local community and giving them a platform to showcase their talents.

Promoting Regional Pride

By highlighting Bihar's unique artistic heritage and creating high-quality, contemporary products, Bihart aims to shift perceptions and instill regional pride. The brand's efforts contribute to a positive image of Bihar, counteracting stereotypes and encouraging a sense of pride among locals.

Facilitating Global Exposure


Bihart's presence on international platforms, collaborations with global NGOs, and partnerships with prominent e-commerce sites provide exposure for Bihar's crafts beyond local and national borders. This global visibility helps in attracting tourism and increasing awareness about Bihar’s rich artistic traditions.

Achievements

My Zero-Waste Clothing Biz is Changing Mindsets About My State Bihar & Its Forgotten Art

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Patna-based Bihart is a sustainable design company that strives to preserve the fading skills of Bihar while producing high-quality handmade goods that are marketable.

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This Entrepreneur Id Reviving Dying Crafts Of Bihar To Build a Sustainable Fashion Brand.

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