OUR STORY

The idea of Kothaar was born not in a boardroom but amidst the serene Himalayan hills, winding trails, long treks to distant villages, and warm homes of Uttarakhand’s remote Himalayan hamlets. While we were travelling across the state as part of a development project—an experience that changed the way we perceive the culture of Uttarakhand forever. With each winding turn of the road and every dusty trail we crossed on foot, we discovered a story, a custom, a heritage, a flavour that seemed untouched by time. At the heart of it all were the people—humble, kind, and deeply connected to the land they call home. 

The hospitality, wrapped in simplicity, was unforgettable. These villagers were growing some of the most nutritious, climate-resilient crops known to mankind—millets, pulses, native herbs, and seeds passed down through generations. Yet, most of them were unaware of the rising global demand for these superfoods. The world was talking about sustainability, ancient grains, and local food systems—while these farmers, unknowingly holding the solution, but due to unawareness and their remoteness, they were unable to find fair markets for their produce. This realisation struck deep, and it led to the birth of “Kothaar.”

Why KOTHAAR?? In Uttarakhand, a “Kothaar” is not just a wooden structure—it’s a sacred space to store grains. Often beautifully carved and uniquely designed depending on the region, these structures are where the harvest is stored. It’s a symbol of prosperity, and the first crop isn’t consumed right away—it’s offered to the gods in gratitude, a silent thanksgiving from the farmer to the divine. This blend of faith, sustenance, and architecture deeply resonated with us.

"आ अब लौट चलें अपने पहाड़ो की ओर"

“Come, Let's go back to our hills”

With this initiative, we are encouraging reverse migration.

Kothaar, as we envisioned it, would be the modern-day vault of everything that connects you with Uttarakhand— grains, stories, art/artefacts, culture, music, dance, and its wisdom.

“Kothaar values the roots, restoring the pride, and carries forward the legacy of Uttarakhand Himalaya—one millet, one herb, one artefact, and one handcrafted story at a time”.

Like all auspicious things are kept in the southern direction, Kothaar is also placed in the southern direction of the house. On the same note, our Kothaar is situated in Dehradun, which is in the southern part of the Uttarakhand state, to bring prosperity of health, wealth and happiness to everyone.