Puzzles can be a powerful educational tool infused with creativity, yet puzzles that teach about Indian culture are rare. Ishani Kantaria founded ‘108 Puzzles’ with this goal in mind, inspired by her niece’s interest in learning the Hanuman Chalisa.
Coming from a family where the Chalisa was regularly chanted, led by her grandfather, the revered UK saint Pujya Rambapa, Ishani wanted her 6-year-old niece to understand the strength she found in this prayer. Having recently left her publishing job, she created the Hanuman Chalisa in jigsaw puzzle form—a first of its kind. Ishani’s collection now includes LEGO Hanuman, a Ramayana puzzle, and Diwali cookie cutters, helping the next generation connect with their culture.
Speaking with Asian Voice, Ishani shared insights into how she uses puzzles to promote cultural values, the challenges she faced along the way and more.
1) How can puzzles teach young people about Hindu, Sikh, and Jain values, and why is it important to promote these teachings through interactive activities?
Puzzles are an effective way to educate children as they align with kids' natural learning through play, exploration, and hands-on activity. With screens playing a major role in children’s lives, I wanted an engaging, educational activity away from devices. Our puzzles can be completed solo or in groups, teaching kids to share while developing motor skills. Our jigsaw puzzles are crafted to captivate, with vibrant designs that kids love doing again and again. They’re also perfect for grandparents and grandchildren to bond over, creating lasting connections. Puzzles benefit adults too, helping maintain cognitive skills as we age, and many have bought them for elderly family members.
2) Can you walk us through your process for developing a puzzle? And how do you choose themes, and what makes ‘108 Puzzles’ unique?
108 Puzzles is a deeply personal passion project. Throughout this journey, I feel guided, as ideas seem to flow through me, inspiring exploration and research to ensure each puzzle is as accurate and meaningful as possible. I start with familiar stories and themes, partnering with illustrators who connect with the deities or ideas. Each design undergoes thorough review, with expert input where needed, particularly for non-Hindu products, to ensure accuracy—down to details like items held by the Gods. I design the packaging, source high-quality, child-safe manufacturing, and prioritise local production to reduce our carbon footprint. Once puzzles arrive, I offer them in my mandir and begin marketing on social media and my online shop.
As far as I know, 108 Puzzles was the first in the UK to create these products. With the blessings of my Guru, Grandfather, and parents, I aim to help future generations connect to their heritage in an engaging, interactive way.
3) What challenges have you encountered in building ‘108 Puzzles,’ and how have you worked to overcome them?
I strive to produce high-quality products at a reasonable price, but Brexit has increased import duties, impacting costs. As a small business, there are many expenses that consumers may not realise, and I currently haven’t accounted for my own time, limiting my ability to make this my full-time job. Nevertheless, I’m proud to have invested my savings and used profits to grow the business. My proudest moment is witnessing children's reactions to my products at pop-up events. Their excitement and recognition of the different deities are incredibly rewarding and motivate me. As a solo female entrepreneur, staying driven through challenges can be tough, but I’m grateful for my supportive network.
4) How have the values behind '108 Puzzles' influenced your life, and how has creating these puzzles enhanced your appreciation of Indian culture and heritage?
Growing up in a religious household, spirituality, bhajans, and seva have been central to my life, giving me strength in challenging times. I believe it’s essential to pass on our rich heritage, helping future generations understand our festivals and traditions, allowing them to choose what resonates with them. This journey has deepened my understanding, like the purpose of creating rangolis at Diwali. I also translate bhajans for free on my website, so others can connect with the meaning behind the words, which has strengthened my devotion. I understand that everyone’s journey is unique, but I want to provide tools for those interested in embracing and sharing their background. That’s why I created non-religious Diwali colouring puzzles this year, which can be shared in schools. They offer a fun way to showcase how we celebrate Diwali.
5) What are your future plans for ‘108 Puzzles’? Are there any new themes, products, or collaborations on the horizon?
Every year I invest more time and energy into the business. This year alone I have launched 10 new products including Lakshmiji, Ganesha, Jalaram Bapa, Mahavir Bhagwan and many more. There are several layers to my products, not just the image itself but on the back of the puzzle I give a brief introduction as to who the puzzle is about and often link it to a bhajan or mantra so that there are several layers to what the child is learning. I have added non-religious items to the collection such as colouring jigsaw puzzles for birthday parties, Diwali etc.
There are many new ideas I’d like to create and will be reviewing how to make them possible for next year. The next one is likely to be more complex, larger puzzles for adults as this has been requested a lot and some new Diwali activities.
