Empowering local artisans with pagdandi: Baramdaah is creating India's sustainable luxury market
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India] September 12: In the shadow of glittering metros, a retail innovation is taking shape. Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, is emerging as an unexpected epicentre of this transformation thanks to an innovative platform called Baramdaah. Founded in 2022 by Nishii Aggarwaal and Nisha Agrawal, Baramdaah is a new approach to luxury retail in India's tier-2 cities.
This platform isn't just importing high-end fashion to Central India; it's creating a new market dynamic that taps into the growing purchasing power and evolving tastes of non-metro consumers.
Baramdaah's business model centres on curated, bi-annual events featuring 20-30 carefully selected designers. These showcases offer a range of products, from apparel and accessories to home décor, presented within themed environments that resonate with local cultural narratives. Baramdaah has attracted over 8,000 visitors in just four seasons and showcased over 100 brands, demonstrating significant market traction.
Furthermore, the two founders and art enthusiasts initiated a non-profit venture— Pagdandi. By integrating local artisans and small businesses into the luxury ecosystem, Pagdandi addresses the growing consumer demand for products with local provenance and craftsmanship.
"Pagdandi is our strategy for creating a sustainable, inclusive luxury market," says Nishii Aggrawaal. "It's about developing a value chain that benefits high-end designers and local artisans."