On a February evening at Travancore Palace, the setting felt calm and reflective. Candles, flowers and handwritten notes created a space that encouraged visitors to slow down and observe. Maneesha Sharma presented her showcase under the SaiChi label as a multi-sensory experience. Textile, poetry and spatial design came together to centre the idea of pause. In contrast to the pace of the city, the exhibition focused on stillness rather than spectacle.
The display featured hand-painted and embroidered sarees that moved beyond clothing into artistic expression. Sharma’s process is guided by feeling. She works closely with material, colour and texture, allowing each piece to develop gradually.
She describes her approach as one rooted in reflection and awareness, where the fabric itself guides the outcome.Collections such as Likhai drew from the works of poets like Kabir and Tukaram. Instead of direct representation, the ideas were translated into form and texture. Alongside these were textile paintings inspired by the five elements, creating a link between the personal and the natural world.
The exhibition also included music and dance. A rendition of Kabir’s poetry and a Kathak presentation by Mamta Maharaj added another layer to the experience.
The exhibition also included music and dance. A rendition of Kabir’s poetry and a Kathak presentation by Mamta Maharaj added another layer to the experience. Visitors spent time reading and reflecting. The showcase offered a simple idea—to pause, observe and reconnect through craft and memory.
