Hi there! A little note about us
Growing up, we moved houses a few times — from living with extended family in our ancestral home to settling in a multi-story building, a fairly new concept in the early 1990s, and eventually relocating to different cities. Our family dynamics shifted as well, from living with my paternal grandparents, parents, and sister to eventually just the four of us. Yet, one constant remained in each home: cherished pieces that decorated our corners and walls collected over the years by my grandfather and mother, and of course, food!
Festivals were always synonymous with special foods and decorations. Take Holi, for example—it meant homemade gujiyas, papads, potato chips, kaanji, and small potato-peas-filled samosas. Preparations would begin well in advance, and I’d sometimes be asked to help out. That invitation was an honor—it meant I was considered responsible and could be trusted to be part of the kitchen preparations. After playing Holi, we’d wear new clothes, and the house would be filled with fresh flowers in every vase and potted plants in every corner. We’d thoroughly clean every inch of the house, polish brass idols with brasso—everything was about creating a clean, well-kept, and well-lived space. Though I’m not entirely sure what defines a "well-lived" house—that’s a conversation for another day.
My name is Devina Nigam, and I’m the founder of Chokar. From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by colours, design, décor, and arts & crafts. I’d make lamps from thermocol waste for my doll’s living room and Plaster of Paris photo frames for friends. Growing up surrounded by regional art and crafts nurtured my creative sensibilities. Before fully immersing myself in Chokar, I worked in Human Resources and as a Social Impact Consultant. While I’ve styled a few homes recently, my own home remains my creative playground. The arrangement of furniture and artwork constantly shifts. While some might see it as a reflection of one's mindset, I view it as an ever-evolving space for experimenting with ideas. Each setup serves as a new canvas to explore and refine until I find the one that truly resonates with me.
Chokar, the protective shield of a grain, embodies resilience and sustainability in the realm of agriculture. Similarly, we feel our smiles, home decor, interior styling and clothing are our armour, often bridging generations. Aesthetics at chokar are heavily derived from childhood memories and our rich Indian heritage. We believe in self expression through everyday lifestyle choices and storytelling.
Come join this journey as we travel to different parts of the country in our search for Indian arts and crafts, work towards their preservation by way of bringing them to your & our homes and cultivating a lively community of art & craft lovers.
Love, Chokar & Devina