Crafting Ethical Handicrafts
for Conscious
Living
About Us
Mahaguthi is more than a brand—it is a conscious choice for a meaningful way of living. Rooted in Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, we create handcrafted products that reflect the stories, skills, and spirit of our artisans.
Every product carries a deeper purpose. By choosing Mahaguthi, you help empower communities, preserve traditional craftsmanship, and promote fair and ethical trade. Moreover, each purchase contributes to sustainable livelihoods and social development.
We are committed to creating products that respect both people and the planet. As a result, dignity, sustainability, and timeless design come together in every piece we offer.
By choosing Mahaguthi, you become part of a larger movement. You support artisan livelihoods, celebrate cultural heritage, and embrace a more mindful lifestyle. At the same time, you help preserve Nepal’s traditional skills for future generations.
Our Vision
Economic and social progress for equity, justice and peace.
Our Mission
Establish Mahaguthi as a leading brand for sustainable Fair Trade enterprises that promote the economic and social well-being of producers, artisans, and disadvantaged communities.
Furthermore, we practice and promote the values of equity, dignity, and justice.
In addition, we build capacities for quality improvement, innovation, competitiveness, and customer focus. We also promote our products and services in both local and international markets.
Mahaguthi - Craft With Conscience
We work closely with local artisans throughout Nepal to create ethical handcrafted products, including pashmina, toys, ceramics, home décor, and lifestyle goods.
As a Guaranteed Fair Trade Organization, we empower communities and support women artisans. Furthermore, we promote sustainable living through authentic and purpose-driven craftsmanship.
Our products combine traditional skills with contemporary design. Therefore, customers receive unique handmade products that carry cultural value and social impact.
Mahaguthi operates according to internationally recognized Fair Trade values and principles. Through our programs, we provide technical, social, and financial support to underprivileged communities, particularly women artisans.
Additionally, we help artisans improve their skills, strengthen their livelihoods, and access broader markets. This support enables them to achieve long-term economic independence.
Mahaguthi Craft with Conscience is a Fair Trade organization that produces, markets, and exports Nepalese handicrafts. We serve both domestic and international markets while promoting ethical and sustainable trade practices.
Furthermore, Mahaguthi operates two retail stores in the Kathmandu Valley. These outlets showcase a wide range of handcrafted products created by skilled artisans from different regions of Nepal.
There are many ways to support Mahaguthi and the artisans we work with:
- Purchase handcrafted products from our stores and online platforms.
- Promote our products within Nepal and internationally.
- Share information about Mahaguthi with friends, relatives, and business networks.
- Introduce potential buyers, partners, or supporters to our organization.
- Support our advocacy efforts and Fair Trade initiatives.
- Help raise awareness about ethical consumption and sustainable livelihoods.
Together, these actions create meaningful opportunities for artisans and their communities.
- We strengthen micro enterprises through effective backward and forward market linkages. As a result, artisans gain better access to resources, production support, and markets.
- We develop the skills and capacities of artisans and producer groups. Consequently, they can improve product quality, increase productivity, and strengthen their businesses.
- We promote Nepal’s traditional culture, art, and craftsmanship by developing innovative products. At the same time, we preserve valuable skills and local resources for future generations.
- We lobby, advocate, practice, and promote Fair Trade principles. Therefore, we contribute to sustainable trade development, social justice, and equitable economic opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
Mahaguthi is a collective journey of empowering artisans, preserving Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, and promoting fair trade practices through sustainable craftsmanship. We believe in creating meaningful impact by connecting skilled producers with conscious consumers, ensuring dignity, equity, and environmental responsibility in every product we offer. As we move forward, our commitment remains steadfast—to uphold ethical values, support livelihoods, and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
The Birth of Mahaguthi
The birth of Mahaguthi Craft with Conscience started with yarn spinning and weaving. Mahaguthi empowers women by providing long term employment under fair, just and sustainable working conditions. It practices Fair Trade as its core principle that puts people first. We bring you “Kalpa” by Mahaguthi, the contemporary designs including clothing made mostly from hand loom to give you that authentic and rich texture yet satisfying the present day demand of the fashion world.
- KALPA represents Mahaguthi’s persistency in promoting age old tradition of craftsmanship and providing livelihood to people specially women.
- KALPA meaning long life, sustainability and ritual represents Mahaguthi’s vision, mission and business model.
- KALPA represents Mahaguthi’s continuous work of empowering people specially women, differently able people and socially deprived community to improve their livings.
- KALPA represents a sustainable lifestyle brand of Mahaguthi that comprises fashion, living and giving.
History has witnessed many weak and oppressed, needy are deprived people throughout time, and few men who chose to stand up and fight for their rights. Nepal has such a legend in its past the late Tulsi Mehar Shrestha.
Tulsi Mehar was born in a humble middle class Newar family on December 30th 1896 in Lalitpur District of Nepal. He was an only child who was deeply inspired by reading the book of Maharshi Dayanand intitled “The Light of Truth”.His self realizations about life and observation of self-discipline led him to understand the difficulties of the time when people were not allowed education or to express their views freely. Tulsi Mehar dared to speak up to society about the importance of self awareness and urged people to overcome ignorance and evil woes.
The Birth of Mahaguthi
The Beginning of Mahaguthi Craft with Conscience
The journey of Mahaguthi Craft with Conscience began with yarn spinning and weaving. Since its inception, Mahaguthi has empowered women by providing long-term employment under fair, just, and sustainable working conditions.
Moreover, Fair Trade remains the foundation of our work and guides every aspect of our operations. As a result, we continue to place people and communities at the center of our business.
Today, Mahaguthi proudly presents Kalpa, a contemporary lifestyle collection. While preserving traditional handloom techniques, Kalpa also responds to the evolving needs of modern consumers.
Traditional Craft Meets Contemporary Design
Kalpa features clothing and lifestyle products crafted primarily from handloom textiles. Consequently, each product offers an authentic texture and a unique handmade character.
Furthermore, the collection demonstrates how traditional skills can remain relevant in today’s marketplace. Therefore, customers can enjoy products that combine heritage, quality, and contemporary style.
Kalpa By Mahaguthi
What Kalpa Represents:
KALPA represents Mahaguthi’s commitment to preserving age-old craftsmanship while creating sustainable livelihoods, especially for women.
In addition, the word “Kalpa” symbolizes longevity, sustainability, and cultural significance. Therefore, it reflects Mahaguthi’s vision, mission, and values.
KALPA also represents Mahaguthi’s continuous efforts to empower women, differently abled individuals, and socially disadvantaged communities.
As a result, many artisans gain access to economic opportunities and long-term income generation.
KALPA is a sustainable lifestyle brand that embraces fashion, living, and giving. Moreover, it encourages consumers to make mindful choices that create positive social impact.
More on Kalpa by Mahaguthi
Shopping with Purpose
Fashion trends may change over time. However, meaningful and responsible consumption remains relevant.
Likewise, shopping solely for entertainment is gradually being replaced by conscious purchasing decisions. Therefore, every purchase from Mahaguthi becomes a contribution toward positive change.
Supporting Artisan Livelihoods
Each purchase directly benefits the people involved throughout the supply chain. In fact, approximately 68% of product sales return to the artisans who create them.
Consequently, customers play an active role in supporting sustainable livelihoods and preserving traditional skills.
Promoting Fair Trade
Mahaguthi is a founding member of Fair Trade Group Nepal (FTG Nepal). Furthermore, it is a member of the World Fair Trade Organization at both regional and global levels.
As a result, Mahaguthi actively promotes and advocates Fair Trade principles nationally and internationally.
Fair Trade is based on dialogue, transparency, and mutual respect. Therefore, it seeks greater equity in international trade while supporting sustainability and social justice.
The Legacy of Tulsi Mehar Shrestha
A Visionary Social Reformer
History has witnessed many individuals who stood against injustice and inequality. Similarly, Nepal’s history includes the remarkable legacy of Tulsi Mehar Shrestha.
Born on December 30, 1896, in Lalitpur, Tulsi Mehar grew up in a humble Newar family. From an early age, he was inspired by the teachings of Maharshi Dayanand and the book The Light of Truth.
As a result, he developed a strong commitment to social reform, self-awareness, and public service.
Advocating for Change
Tulsi Mehar openly challenged social inequalities and harmful traditions. In particular, he spoke against discrimination and the rigid caste system.
Furthermore, he promoted women’s empowerment through education and income-generating opportunities. Consequently, his ideas attracted both admiration and opposition.
Eventually, Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher Rana accused him of being anti-national and offered him a choice between imprisonment and exile.
Journey to India
Rather than abandoning his beliefs, Tulsi Mehar chose exile and traveled to India.
There, he worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi and lived in various ashrams. During this period, he learned spinning and weaving techniques while deepening his understanding of social transformation.
Moreover, his experience strengthened his commitment to helping disadvantaged communities.
Returning to Nepal
After gaining valuable knowledge and experience, Tulsi Mehar returned to Nepal in 1923.
With support from Mahatma Gandhi and permission from the Rana government, he launched a small spinning and weaving initiative. As a result, the foundations of a lasting social enterprise were established.
Establishing Mahaguthi
Tulsi Mehar later settled at Shankhamul on the banks of the Bagmati River in Lalitpur.
There, he established one of Nepal’s earliest textile initiatives using raw cotton provided by Mahatma Gandhi. Furthermore, he founded “Shree Tin Chandra Kamdhenu Charkha Pracharak Mahaguthi” in 1927.
Consequently, the organization became one of Nepal’s pioneering social service institutions and laid the foundation for today’s Mahaguthi Craft with Conscience.