KOYARI

Design by: Sakshi Haygale
Location: India
School: MIT Institute of Design
Tutor: Prof. Dr. Ranjana Dani
Packaging Content: Maharashtrian Diwali Snacks
Packaging Substrate / Materials: Matte-finish paperboard, Food-grade SBS board, Tracing paper

Printing Process: Digital Print

ABOUT THE PROJECT

KOYARI is a premium Maharashtrian Diwali snack box that honors regional culinary heritage through evocative storytelling, symbolic design, and an elevated sensory experience. Inspired by the traditional koyari – the haldi-kumkum container integral to Maharashtrian rituals. The packaging reimagines this cultural icon as a lotus-shaped offering box, gracefully unfolding to reveal six artisanal delicacies from across the state.

BRAND CONCEPT

KOYARI reimagines Maharashtrian festive snacks as a curated journey across the state’s diverse regions. Each treat symbolizes local history, craftsmanship, and Diwali rituals, transforming the box into a cultural keepsake.

DESIGN APPROACH

• Form: A lotus-shaped box with petals forming the lid, referencing both the koyari and the auspicious symbolism of the lotus in Indian culture.
• Function: Six equal compartments, each holding a unique snack placed under translucent tracing paper with printed storytelling.
• Visual Language: A festive blend of magenta, green, and gold with intricate Koyari motifs and lotus symmetry, evoking a rich Maharashtrian tradition, with minimal and elegant typography.
• Storytelling Layer: Each snack comes with its origin story printed on the tracing paper overlay, celebrating its region and preparation method.

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Urban Maharashtrian families.
• Non-resident Maharashtrians seeking nostalgic gifting.
• Premium buyers looking for traditional-yet-luxurious Diwali gifts.

WHAT’S UNIQUE?

• Regional Curation: Each snack is thoughtfully selected to represent a distinct region of Maharashtra, celebrating local culinary heritage.
• Narrative Packaging: Tracing paper overlays reveal layered food stories, making the experience both informative and emotionally resonant.
• Lotus Petal Structure: A distinctive and symbolic form that enhances the visual appeal and makes the box ideal for gifting.
• Inspired by Koyari: A refined reinterpretation of the traditional koyari, adding cultural depth and significance to the design.