Who We Are

Nestled in the Kumaon region of the Indian Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, Avani is a non profit, community based organisation built on the principles of sustainability. Avani works with creation of livelihood opportunities for rural communities through the revival of traditional craft, appropriate technology, & farm-based interventions with economy, ecology and empowerment at its core.

Campus

Avani’s campus at Tripuradevi, strives to create stress-free, harmonious living conditions which have a symbiotic relationship with our natural surroundings. Community activities include shramdaan, where the team works on the farm, help out in the community kitchen and regular sessions in meditation. These activities foster a sense of community, and help the team practise mindfulness throughout the day.

The campus itself is part of a closed loop system of water and organic waste. Avani is dependent upon rainwater in this already water-stressed area. 100% of the wastewater is recycled and used to grow vegetables and dye plants. The use of parabolic solar cooker and pine needle charcoal in the kitchen has helped save costs of conventional fuel. We are self-sufficient in electricity generation through solar energy and pine needle gasification.

Programmes

Textile & Natural Dye Program

Avani’s revival of traditional skills of hand spinning and hand weaving through production of handmade textiles and plant based dyes has been consolidated under the Earthcraft Cooperative. Earthcraft is an artisans’ and farmers’ cooperative which generates livelihoods, for vulnerable women and girls, in Kumaon.

Bio Energy Program

The bioenergy program is at the centre of a complex ecological, social and mechanical process.The program focuses on the promotion of clean energy technologies in the local villages including solar energy for rural electrification, use of charcoal as a clean cooking fuel for rural households and the harnessing of energy from pine needles to generate electricity.

Primary Education Program

Led under the name Abhivyakti, a school that was established in 2011, Avani’s primary education program blends Montessori and Steiner principles of education to bring innovative learning and teaching methods to this remote Himalayan community, nurturing and developing a new generation of creative minds.

What's New?

Exploring Himalayan Communities: A Field Project by Srishti Graduation Students

Between March 5th and 18th, 2024, a cohort of 16 Srishti graduation students, guided by facilitators Ms. Prachi Mehrotra and Mr. Manoj, undertook a field project in almora. Their itinerary encompassed visits to locales such as Lala Bazar, Hukka Club, and Raghunath Temple, with additional stops at Tripuradevi, serving as the primary hub for Avani’s campus activities including Dye Garden, Indigo Vats, Weaving, and Gasification Plant. The group also explored Munsiyari, Sharmell, Darkot, Dharamgarh, Digoli, Thanga, Sukna, Gangoli Hatt, and Raigarh, where they engaged in research endeavors spanning traditional practices, community crafts, and natural dyeing. Each student contingent explored distinct venues, collating data and insights pertinent to their respective projects.

Artisan in focus

Prabha Devi (Sukana)

Prabha is a weaver at Avani’s Sukhana village centre. Belonging to the Bora community, Prabha was proficient in the community’s traditional craft of handspinning and knitting. She joined Avani in 2014 as a spinner and then moved on to learn weaving. With an eye for detail, it is not surprising that what she most enjoys is weaving the saris. Prabha has used her savings to build her family’s home in the village and also support her children’s education. Multitasking her responsibilities of managing the family farm, household chores and her role as a mother, she enjoys the professional freedom  and flexibility of working at Avani’s centre and says that there is so much more still to be learnt.

Product of the month

Eco-friendly Holi Colours

Make your Holi celebrations colorful and eco-friendly with our organic Holi colors. Made using turmeric, flame of the forest, Himalayan indigo, and lac as colorants and rice powder as base, these colours are non-toxic and skin friendly.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Our Stores

Also available online at

Instagram

  • Want your kids to enjoy art and drawing without having to worry about their health? 
Our 100% natural Crayons are completely made from local materials and consists of beeswax and organic pigments that are sourced locally from the villages Avani is associated with. 

Pigments for these crayons are made from natural ingredients such as - Lac, natural Indigo, Turmeric, Lime, Pomegranate, Eupatorium, Harada & Jaggery.

The crayons do not contain soy wax, which makes the product hypo allergic and safe for kids that often suffer from life harming soy wax allergies.

You can find these crayons in a set of 6 and 12. Choose yours now! (link in bio)

#AvaniKumaon #sustainable #organic #natural #avaniearthcraft #avani #ColorsoftheEarth #caringfortheearth #healthy #crayons #beeswax #kidfriendly #organiccrayons #naturaldye
  • Natural Wax Crayons are carefully prepared using 100% non-toxic components, using only beeswax and natural pigments. The resulting crayons is a conscious alternative to commercial crayons.

All the mothers out there can be rest assured and let their kids indulge in art and drawing. A study states that most of the times, a crayon is either in the hands or mouth of the toddler or kid and might cause severe health issues. To keep your little one safe, 100% natural and organic alternative for toxic crayons are natural beeswax crayons. They are completely safe and free of soy wax.

Pigment used for making these crayons are naturally sourced and do not have any adverse effects.

 #avani #avaniearthcraft #AvaniKumaon #sustainable #ColorsoftheEarth #natural #caringfortheearth #avanikumaon #organic #crayons #beeswax #organiccrayons #healthy #kidfriendly
  • A splendid orange stole with a subtle grey side border is a beautiful pure linen piece which offers luxury and sets you class apart. 

Handwoven and naturally dyed using Avani's customized pigments, click on the link in bio to buy your all-time classic piece now. 

#himalayas #avaniearthcraft #AvaniKumaon #avani #naturaldye #sustainable #womenpower #linenlove #classicwear #weavesofindia #livelihoodgenerationactivity #texiles
  • Did you know Flame of the Forest is a species of tree native to India and Southeast Asia. Although the tree (also known as Palash) itself is unremarkable, the flowers that bloom before summer, which are vibrant orange, are beloved throughout India.

Flame of the forest flowers are also said to have numerous Ayurvedic health benefits, including healing wounds and relieving pain and swelling. 

Making dye from Flame of the Forest is rather simple. After collection, the flowers are chopped into small pieces, boiled with water, and strained. Once heated, the resulting liquid can be used to dye fabrics anywhere from soft yellow to bright orange, depending on the soaking time, pH, and temperature.

Head to our website (link in bio) to know more about our natural dyes.

 #natural #avanikumaon #avaniearthcraft #avani #organic #AvaniKumaon #sustainable #himalayas #kumaoniwoman #naturaldye #naturaldyes #caringfortheearth #peopleplanetprofit #ColorsoftheEarth
  • Cultivated and collected by the locals of the Himalayan region, soapnut helps in increasing biodiversity and generating economic incentive for the rural communities, along with its many health and environmental benefits. 

Due to its natural and organic origins Soapnut is a safe, non-toxic product and its production and use cause no harm to the environment. It is 100% biodegradable, and it also saves water and energy compared to the conventional brands of cleaners.
Soapnut can be used for multiple purposes, most common being – laundry, dishwashing and hairwash. 

Click on the link in bio to buy our 100% natural soapnut powder. 

#avani #avanikumaon #AvaniKumaon #avaniearthcraft #himalayansoapnuts #himalayansoapberries #natural #healthyhair #Reethapowder #reethapowderforhair #reethapowderfordishwash #reethapowderbenefit #organic
Want your kids to enjoy art and drawing without having to worry about their health? 
Our 100% natural Crayons are completely made from local materials and consists of beeswax and organic pigments that are sourced locally from the villages Avani is associated with. 

Pigments for these crayons are made from natural ingredients such as - Lac, natural Indigo, Turmeric, Lime, Pomegranate, Eupatorium, Harada & Jaggery.

The crayons do not contain soy wax, which makes the product hypo allergic and safe for kids that often suffer from life harming soy wax allergies.

You can find these crayons in a set of 6 and 12. Choose yours now! (link in bio)

#AvaniKumaon #sustainable #organic #natural #avaniearthcraft #avani #ColorsoftheEarth #caringfortheearth #healthy #crayons #beeswax #kidfriendly #organiccrayons #naturaldye
Want your kids to enjoy art and drawing without having to worry about their health? Our 100% natural Crayons are completely made from local materials and consists of beeswax and organic pigments that are sourced locally from the villages Avani is associated with. Pigments for these crayons are made from natural ingredients such as - Lac, natural Indigo, Turmeric, Lime, Pomegranate, Eupatorium, Harada & Jaggery. The crayons do not contain soy wax, which makes the product hypo allergic and safe for kids that often suffer from life harming soy wax allergies. You can find these crayons in a set of 6 and 12. Choose yours now! (link in bio) #AvaniKumaon #sustainable #organic #natural #avaniearthcraft #avani #ColorsoftheEarth #caringfortheearth #healthy #crayons #beeswax #kidfriendly #organiccrayons #naturaldye
10 months ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
Natural Wax Crayons are carefully prepared using 100% non-toxic components, using only beeswax and natural pigments. The resulting crayons is a conscious alternative to commercial crayons.

All the mothers out there can be rest assured and let their kids indulge in art and drawing. A study states that most of the times, a crayon is either in the hands or mouth of the toddler or kid and might cause severe health issues. To keep your little one safe, 100% natural and organic alternative for toxic crayons are natural beeswax crayons. They are completely safe and free of soy wax.

Pigment used for making these crayons are naturally sourced and do not have any adverse effects.

 #avani #avaniearthcraft #AvaniKumaon #sustainable #ColorsoftheEarth #natural #caringfortheearth #avanikumaon #organic #crayons #beeswax #organiccrayons #healthy #kidfriendly
Natural Wax Crayons are carefully prepared using 100% non-toxic components, using only beeswax and natural pigments. The resulting crayons is a conscious alternative to commercial crayons. All the mothers out there can be rest assured and let their kids indulge in art and drawing. A study states that most of the times, a crayon is either in the hands or mouth of the toddler or kid and might cause severe health issues. To keep your little one safe, 100% natural and organic alternative for toxic crayons are natural beeswax crayons. They are completely safe and free of soy wax. Pigment used for making these crayons are naturally sourced and do not have any adverse effects. #avani #avaniearthcraft #AvaniKumaon #sustainable #ColorsoftheEarth #natural #caringfortheearth #avanikumaon #organic #crayons #beeswax #organiccrayons #healthy #kidfriendly
10 months ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
A splendid orange stole with a subtle grey side border is a beautiful pure linen piece which offers luxury and sets you class apart. 

Handwoven and naturally dyed using Avani's customized pigments, click on the link in bio to buy your all-time classic piece now. 

#himalayas #avaniearthcraft #AvaniKumaon #avani #naturaldye #sustainable #womenpower #linenlove #classicwear #weavesofindia #livelihoodgenerationactivity #texiles
A splendid orange stole with a subtle grey side border is a beautiful pure linen piece which offers luxury and sets you class apart. Handwoven and naturally dyed using Avani's customized pigments, click on the link in bio to buy your all-time classic piece now. #himalayas #avaniearthcraft #AvaniKumaon #avani #naturaldye #sustainable #womenpower #linenlove #classicwear #weavesofindia #livelihoodgenerationactivity #texiles
10 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
Did you know Flame of the Forest is a species of tree native to India and Southeast Asia. Although the tree (also known as Palash) itself is unremarkable, the flowers that bloom before summer, which are vibrant orange, are beloved throughout India.

Flame of the forest flowers are also said to have numerous Ayurvedic health benefits, including healing wounds and relieving pain and swelling. 

Making dye from Flame of the Forest is rather simple. After collection, the flowers are chopped into small pieces, boiled with water, and strained. Once heated, the resulting liquid can be used to dye fabrics anywhere from soft yellow to bright orange, depending on the soaking time, pH, and temperature.

Head to our website (link in bio) to know more about our natural dyes.

 #natural #avanikumaon #avaniearthcraft #avani #organic #AvaniKumaon #sustainable #himalayas #kumaoniwoman #naturaldye #naturaldyes #caringfortheearth #peopleplanetprofit #ColorsoftheEarth
Did you know Flame of the Forest is a species of tree native to India and Southeast Asia. Although the tree (also known as Palash) itself is unremarkable, the flowers that bloom before summer, which are vibrant orange, are beloved throughout India.

Flame of the forest flowers are also said to have numerous Ayurvedic health benefits, including healing wounds and relieving pain and swelling. 

Making dye from Flame of the Forest is rather simple. After collection, the flowers are chopped into small pieces, boiled with water, and strained. Once heated, the resulting liquid can be used to dye fabrics anywhere from soft yellow to bright orange, depending on the soaking time, pH, and temperature.

Head to our website (link in bio) to know more about our natural dyes.

 #natural #avanikumaon #avaniearthcraft #avani #organic #AvaniKumaon #sustainable #himalayas #kumaoniwoman #naturaldye #naturaldyes #caringfortheearth #peopleplanetprofit #ColorsoftheEarth
Did you know Flame of the Forest is a species of tree native to India and Southeast Asia. Although the tree (also known as Palash) itself is unremarkable, the flowers that bloom before summer, which are vibrant orange, are beloved throughout India. Flame of the forest flowers are also said to have numerous Ayurvedic health benefits, including healing wounds and relieving pain and swelling. Making dye from Flame of the Forest is rather simple. After collection, the flowers are chopped into small pieces, boiled with water, and strained. Once heated, the resulting liquid can be used to dye fabrics anywhere from soft yellow to bright orange, depending on the soaking time, pH, and temperature. Head to our website (link in bio) to know more about our natural dyes. #natural #avanikumaon #avaniearthcraft #avani #organic #AvaniKumaon #sustainable #himalayas #kumaoniwoman #naturaldye #naturaldyes #caringfortheearth #peopleplanetprofit #ColorsoftheEarth
10 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
Cultivated and collected by the locals of the Himalayan region, soapnut helps in increasing biodiversity and generating economic incentive for the rural communities, along with its many health and environmental benefits. 

Due to its natural and organic origins Soapnut is a safe, non-toxic product and its production and use cause no harm to the environment. It is 100% biodegradable, and it also saves water and energy compared to the conventional brands of cleaners.
Soapnut can be used for multiple purposes, most common being – laundry, dishwashing and hairwash. 

Click on the link in bio to buy our 100% natural soapnut powder. 

#avani #avanikumaon #AvaniKumaon #avaniearthcraft #himalayansoapnuts #himalayansoapberries #natural #healthyhair #Reethapowder #reethapowderforhair #reethapowderfordishwash #reethapowderbenefit #organic
Cultivated and collected by the locals of the Himalayan region, soapnut helps in increasing biodiversity and generating economic incentive for the rural communities, along with its many health and environmental benefits. Due to its natural and organic origins Soapnut is a safe, non-toxic product and its production and use cause no harm to the environment. It is 100% biodegradable, and it also saves water and energy compared to the conventional brands of cleaners. Soapnut can be used for multiple purposes, most common being – laundry, dishwashing and hairwash. Click on the link in bio to buy our 100% natural soapnut powder. #avani #avanikumaon #AvaniKumaon #avaniearthcraft #himalayansoapnuts #himalayansoapberries #natural #healthyhair #Reethapowder #reethapowderforhair #reethapowderfordishwash #reethapowderbenefit #organic
10 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/5