Our journey with Leela Yoga Rugs started with a single yoga rug, discovered on the cliffs of Varkala, India. Monika, traveling solo to deepen her yoga practice, came across a beautiful handwoven rug in a yoga school. She brought one back for me as a souvenir, and the moment I laid my hands on it, I was intrigued.
The texture, the craftsmanship, and the organic feel reminded me of the traditional woven rugs our grandmothers used to make in Slovakia. Yet, while I loved it, I couldn’t help but notice it was a bit small and narrow for a comfortable yoga practice. That’s when curiosity sparked an idea—how is this made? And more importantly, could we craft something even better?
I was thinking baout it repeatedly, putting it on my list to find out on my next trip to India!
As yoga practitioners, we believe that yoga is not just about what happens on the mat—it extends beyond, into the way we live our lives. We are taught to practice awareness and mindfulness in every action, and that includes the choices we make about the products we use and the businesses we support. If we are committed to yoga, we should also be thoughtful about what we surround ourselves with.
Since both of us have always been passionate about sustainability, permaculture, and eco-friendly living, we knew that if we were to create yoga rugs, they had to be made consciously—respecting both nature and tradition. On our next visit to India, we immersed ourselves in the world of handloom weaving, working closely with artisans to reimagine the traditional yoga rug.
We aimed to create something that was not only functional but also kind to the earth and beneficial for the body. After multiple prototypes and refinements, we arrived at the perfect balance—organic cotton rugs infused with Ayurvedic herbs, handwoven with care, and designed to enhance your yoga practice in every way.
Leela Yoga Rugs are more than just yoga accessories—they are a bridge between tradition and modern conscious living. We work hand in hand with skilled weavers in India, preserving their craft while ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions. Many of our artisans are women, and by providing them with flexible work opportunities, we help support their independence and integration into society.
Most of our artisans work from home, using their own wooden frames to weave our yoga rugs. This setup eliminates the need for long commutes to bigger cities, allowing them to stay with their families, tend to their gardens, and care for their animals while earning a livelihood. We distribute the materials directly to their homes, enabling them to work in a way that suits their lifestyle.
For those who prefer a communal setting, we also have workshops in the area where artisans can come together, share skills, and weave in a supportive environment. This flexibility ensures that each weaver can work in the way that best fits their needs, balancing tradition, family life, and financial stability.
By choosing Leela, you’re not only investing in a high-quality, toxin-free yoga rug, but you’re also supporting sustainable craftsmanship and keeping an ancient art form alive.
Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at the rugs. We believe packaging is an extension of our mission, which is why we use 100% compostable mailers made from fruit and vegetable waste. Once you receive your rug, simply toss the packaging into your compost—it will decompose naturally within three months. Zero waste, zero impact.
We chose to go back to the roots—no synthetic materials, no chemical dyes. Our yoga rugs and towels are crafted from GOTS-certified organic cotton, ensuring purity and sustainability. The fibers are longer and stronger than conventional cotton, offering enhanced durability for even the most intense asana practice.
Unlike conventional yoga mats, our rugs are dyed using whole herbs and plants. This not only results in stunning natural colors but also brings the healing properties of Ayurvedic herbs directly to your skin. Practicing on a Leela rug means embracing nature’s wellness with every breath and movement.
Forget the misconception that only rubber or plastic can provide grip. Our cotton yoga rugs absorb sweat, increasing traction as you practice. The more you sweat, the better the grip—ensuring a safe and stable session, no matter how intense your flow is.
Leela yoga rugs are 10 cm longer and wider than regular yoga mats. Whether you’re flowing through vinyasas or resting in shavasana, you’ll have enough space to fully relax without touching the cold floor.
Unlike traditional yoga mats that trap sweat and odors, our rugs can be fully washed. Just hand wash them in cold water with natural detergent, and they’re fresh, clean, and ready for your next session. A yoga mat that smells amazing? Yes, please!
Yoga is about connection—to yourself, to the earth, and to those around you. Our mats are designed to enhance that connection, providing a natural, grounding surface for your practice while protecting the environment and supporting artisan communities.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Together, we are creating a cleaner future and a more mindful yoga practice.
Founders of LEELA