Totini Saha

Totini Saha born on 15 April 1962, Village Ballavpur (on the bank of the Bhairab River), in the district of Meherpur (previously Kushtia District).
Parents: Father: Late Chiru Ranjan Saha; Mother: Late Promila Saha.

Totini Saha was the second child of her parents. She completed her primary education from Bhaberpara Mission School, secondary education from Bani Mission School in a village of Natore District, and higher secondary and graduation studies from Meherpur Government College.

While pursuing her Bachelor’s degree (1985–1990), she worked as a teacher at Jessore Sacred heart School alongside her studies. Later, from 1991 to 2003, she worked in the handicrafts division of an NGO in Jessore District. It was through this work that her long journey with Nakshi Kantha embroidery began.
Chhonya Hastashilpo In 2003, inspired by Xeverian Fr. Giovanni Abbiati, she established “Chhonya Hastashilpo” with 10 office staff members and 100 rural women artisans. She provides training to rural women to develop their skills so that they can acquire expertise in contemporary handicraft production. Chhonya Hastashilpo primarily works with fabric-based handmade products.
Products manufactured by Chhonya Hastashilpo are supplied across Bangladesh as well as internationally, including India, Japan, and Italy, based on buyers’ orders.
The product range includes:
For the Bangladeshi Market
Silk sarees, Silk shawls, Silk panjabis, Fatuas, Three-piece suits, Nakshi Kanthas, Bags, Cushion covers, Wall mats, Curtains, Table cloths, Runners, Table mats, For International Markets, Decorative bags, Cushion covers, Wall mats, Curtains, Table cloths, Runners, Table mats, Scarves, Nakshi Kanthas
She has worked for many years with the handicrafts division of the Kumudini Welfare Trust. At present, members of Bangladesh’s defense and law enforcement families, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), constitute a major customer base of Chhonya Hastashilpo.
Opportunities to Work with Renowned Personalities in Handicrafts
Totini Saha was first introduced to Chandra Shekhar Saha, Chief Designer of Aarong. Through him, she became acquainted with the renowned Italian artist and designer Tarishtori and began collaborative work in design and handicrafts, a relationship that continues today.
She also had the opportunity to work with well-known interior designer Nasrin Jamir.
In addition, she worked with embroidery designer Paola Manfredi Noya, an Italian specialist who spent over 25 years working in the Indian embroidery industry. From her, Totini Saha learned advanced skills in Color combination, Updated design concepts, Quality control.

Product development
Through these connections, she also had the opportunity to participate in exhibitions organized by various embassies in Bangladesh. More recently, in 2026, she established a professional collaboration with internationally recognized fashion designer Shaibal Saha.
Research and Academic Interest
Researchers working on Nakshi Kantha and traditional embroidery regularly visit the activities of Chhonya Hastashilpo for academic study and research purposes. Many have conducted interviews with Totini Saha and used her work as a valuable resource in their studies.
Notable Work
Among her most memorable achievements are two large wall mats prepared for the Bangladesh National Parliament Building.
Their sizes are: 12 feet 21 inches × 4 feet 4 inches and 11 feet 3 inches × 3 feet 4.5 inches
Both pieces are displayed at the National Parliament premises.
Exhibitions
Products produced under “Chhonya Hostoshilpo” (such as beautifully handcrafted nakshi kantha, shawls, scarves, sarees, and other handmade items) have had the opportunity to participate in exhibitions organized by various embassies in Bangladesh, the National Level Exhibition at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center, and other prestigious exhibition platforms.
In addition, these products have also been exhibited internationally, including at fairs and exhibitions in Delhi, India, where “Chhonya Hostoshilpo” showcased its handcrafted products.
In 2014, 2016, and 2019, Totini Saha and the Italian artist Tarshito jointly participated in exhibitions featuring their collaborative artworks at the Bangladesh National Museum, EDGE, The Foundation, and Chattogram.
Award
In 2013, she received the “Joyeeta Award” at the upazila level under the category of women achieving excellence in education and professional fields.
Future Plan
At present, Tatini Saha intends to establish a museum on her own initiative to properly preserve the unique and traditional handicrafts and artifacts that she has personally created and carefully conserved over the years. She believes that such a museum will serve as an important resource for future generations and will support researchers, artists, and professionals working in the field of traditional handicrafts by providing valuable reference materials and opportunities for learning and study.

ARTWORKS REALIZED WITH TARSHITO