A mother’s skill, a son’s vision revive a forgotten tradition

Long before reusable bags became a global talking point, Indian homes already had their own version — the humble Koodai, known as Butta in Telugu. Handwoven, colourful and built to last, it was simply part of everyday life, tagging along on every trip to the market. But once plastic bags took over, the Koodai quietly slipped out of use, surviving mostly in the memories of an older generation who still remember carrying one.

At the Kausalyam 2026 exhibition, which was organized by the Crafts Council of Telangana the Koodai is popular again. Many people stop at the Koodai stall by Saras because they like the patterns and the designs that look like animals. The Koodai is not a simple bag anymore it is like a work of art. The Koodai has a look now which is why people are interested, in it again. The Koodai is special because it is handmade and it has a lot of character.

Behind the revival is a simple yet powerful family story. For Saraswathi, weaving was never a profession. It was a skill she learnt in school and continued to practise at home.

“Back then, every household used Koodais. We made them because they were practical. I never imagined they would one day be displayed in exhibitions or appreciated as designer bags,” Saraswathi says.

Her son Saravanan saw something different. Growing up, he watched his mother weave baskets with remarkable ease, but he also noticed that the craft was slowly fading away.

“My mother saw it as an everyday skill. I saw an opportunity to preserve something valuable. I wanted people to look at the Koodai differently—not just as a shopping basket but as something they would proudly carry,” Saravanan says.

That shared vision gave birth to Koodai by Saras, a Coimbatore-based social enterprise that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. While the weaving techniques remain rooted in tradition, the finished products appeal to modern tastes through bold colours, artistic motifs and innovative styling.

Among the highlights at the exhibition is a striking tiger-themed Koodai, woven over nearly ten days. Saravanan says, “Every design should tell a story. The tiger bag carries a message about wildlife conservation. We want people to start conversations through what they carry.”

The collection extends far beyond shopping bags. Elegant sling bags, handbags and customised designs for weddings have become increasingly popular among customers looking for handcrafted alternatives.

“People today want products that are useful but also unique,” he says. “A handmade Koodai gives them both.”

The revival has also created opportunities for women artisans. More than 65 homemakers now weave Koodais from their homes, turning a traditional skill into a dependable source of income. “Many women already knew this craft but never thought it could become a livelihood,” Saravanan says. “Our aim is to help them recognise the value of the skills they already possess.”

For Saraswathi seeing other women gain from the craft has become the satisfying part of the path she has taken. “It brings me joy to watch women earn by doing something they already know how to do. This craft has given many of us confidence and independence “ she says.

Each Koodai is made completely by hand using recycled plastic strips giving materials a new chance while cutting down on using single-use bags.

“We wanted green living to be something that’s also nice to look at “ says Saravanan. “People should not have to pick between looking good and doing the thing.”

He thinks bags should get the care people give to the rest of their clothes.

“We pick our clothes with our shoes with our watches and, with our jewelry. Why shouldn’t our bags be part of that choice?” he asks.

Koodai by Saras has a lot of colours and patterns to choose from. They make regular baskets look really stylish. They still have that old touch that people love.

A mother started making these baskets. Now a lot of people are doing it. This is helping to keep a craft alive giving women jobs and being kind to the earth. Koodai by Saras is also reminding people that some old things are still really good. They just need someone to find them again and appreciate

them. Koodai by Saras is, about this.