Sarga simply means ‘something’. The founders interpret the word as creation. For them it is a creative channel through which they merge their ideas to create contemporary products deeply rooted in tradition. 

In the recent times Nepali products have been gaining popularity in the market. From clothing items to bags and accessories, these Nepali products though sparse in quantity are superior in quality and can rival any foreign branded items. But the appeal for Made in Nepal items still isn’t as great as that for imported ones. The majority is still likely to pick up a branded bag to replace their old purses rather than invest in something made in their own land. 

It is this mindset that long-time friends Saurabh Shrestha and Ayush Shrestha, both chartered accountants by profession, wanted to change when they launched Sarga. The duo share that there are so many things that the Nepali industry is perfectly capable of producing that can give most imported products a run for their money. But it just isn’t happening. “So we decided to do something about it,” says Saurabh. 

Sarga simply means ‘something’. The founders interpret the word as creation. For them it is a creative channel through which they merge their ideas to create contemporary products deeply rooted in tradition. They make handcrafted candles, dhaka bags, tote bags, and laptop cases all of which have a pukka Nepali feel. 

And they collaborate with small scale production houses to do so. “It may be seen as outright outsourcing but we call it partnership. We wish for the producers to be on the frontlines as we market the products under the brand Sarga,” clarifies Saurabh who oversees the administration. They want the producers to get a sense of validation and enjoy the benefits of their hard work as well. 

The tags on the items have a personal touch appealing to the human sense of connection. A narration of the product makers is printed on the tags to share creation stories and reflect the authenticity of the products. This storytelling is to bring awareness about the small scale industries of Nepal and shed light on the makers who are, more often than not, in the sidelines.

Upashana Shrestha is the creative head of Sarga and she is the one behind all the design ideas, from the designs of Harry Potter and Game of Thrones sewn on tote bags to the logo of Batman stylized on dhaka bags. The ideas stem from the founders’ passion for the series and also the demands of the market. “We are making a conscious effort to combine modern designs with traditional ones to make our products unique. But, at the same time, we also keep ourselves updated on the changes in lifestyles and trends,” says Upashana. 

The brand is also in the process of launching a whole new range of products. Clutches by New Sadle (a leprosy rehabilitation workshop), products with leather-dhaka, jeans-dhaka and embroidered bags are all set to be launched very soon. Sales have only been through the internet so far with them home delivering their products but they are in the process of opening outlets and setting up their own website to broaden their reach and expand their clientele.

The owners aspire for Sarga to secure a place in the Nepali market as a good brand. They also wish to collaborate further with more production houses to create products that can successfully merge the traditional with the non-traditional. “A lot of art is dying in Nepal. A very specific dhaka design that was nothing short of spectacular is no more seen in the market. As a generation witnessing this change, we felt responsible to revive and preserve the traditions of our culture,” says Saurabh adding that that’s exactly what they are doing through Sarga. 

Tote Bags
The material is cotton jeans so it has a rough feel but it guarantees the bag’s longevity. This is especially for all the fandom enthusiasts because they have Harry Potter and Game of Thrones plastered all over. The embroidery is done manually which means that no two tote bags are the same. If you own a Sarga Tote bag, revel in the knowledge that it is the only of its kind.

Dhaka Bags  
Probably one of Sarga’s most original products, this bag comes with thick cotton paddings and stylized logos crafted of one of Nepal’s most prized heritage. This is a dhaka bag like you have never seen before. Shreejanshil Nepal makes these bags and it comes with its own pouch for your laptop. The inside is also lined with dhaka material. 

Laptop Bags
This is another of Shreejanshil Nepal’s creations. The bags are made of Khaddar, a traditional fabric known for its durability. Sizes vary to fit laptops of different sizes. A layer of self-produced cotton is padded into the fabric to cushion your laptop. You also get strips of Jekkad and Jyapu patchwork. We guarantee this Nepali laptop bag will feel like a good investment. 

Lumos Candles
This is handiwork at its finest. It’s crafted by ‘Decorated Candles’, a family-run business. The candles are deftly carved when heated to a soft mold. The result is an elaborately designed candle that has a droopy curved look. The candles come in three sizes and with their own color fusions.