The Charpai Project

The Charpai Project, conceived and developed by Ramayudh Sahu and Ayush Kasliwal, is an exploration of India’s most ubiquitous piece of furniture—the charpai—reimagined through contemporary design and craftsmanship. The project investigates the cultural, social, and material significance of the traditional woven cot, transforming it into an interactive design installation that celebrates India's rich craft heritage while encouraging new conversations around design, community, and sustainability.

The project was first exhibited at the Serendipity Arts Festival, Goa, in 2019, where it formed part of the festival’s curated design program. Through a series of installations, workshops, and public engagement activities, The Charpai Project highlighted the adaptability of traditional craft practices in a contemporary context and received wide appreciation from visitors and design professionals alike.

Following its successful debut, the project was showcased at India Design ID 2026, New Delhi, where it was presented to a wider audience of architects, designers, collectors, and industry leaders. In the same month, The Charpai Project was also featured at Maahi Roj 2026, Jaipur, further extending its dialogue on craft, design innovation, and cultural continuity.

Across its various presentations, The Charpai Project has served as a platform for collaboration between artisans and designers, demonstrating how traditional knowledge systems can inspire contemporary design thinking while preserving and celebrating India’s living craft traditions.

Location
Serendipity Arts Festival - Penha de Franc, Goa, INDIA
Commissioned By
Serendipity Arts Foundation
Curators
Ayush Kasliwal, Ramayudh Sahu
Year
2018