New Delhi: A fortnight of cultural performances and an event to celebrate Indian art, crafts and textiles, Dastkari Haat Samiti returns with the much awaited crafts bazaar of the year. A confluence of more than 180 artisans and master craftsmen from all parts of India . the 33rd edition of Dastkari Haat Craft Bazaar conceptualized by textile revivalist Ms Jaya Jaitly opens on the 1st of January, 2019 at Dilli Haat, INA, Delhi. The event will also feature workshops and performances by Mushtaq Ahmed, a flute maker from Varanasi, Moorala Marwada, a Sufi folk singer from the Janana village of the Kutch District, Gujarat who will sing the poetry of Kabir, Mirabai, Ravidas and others and Bhawani Kalindi and his group from Bengal who will perform the exotic tribal martial Chhau dance throughout the tenure of the bazaar.
The distinctive line-up of the 15 day event include Craft and Skill Exchange program with Indonesia, supported by the O/o Development Commissioner Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles. The workshop will begin from 2nd January with Indonesian artisan who excel in Doyo Fibre Craft, Pottery, Tie & Dye and Batik work paired with their Indian counterparts V, Sadanandam and Y. Sridhar in Fibre Weaving, Telangana and AP, Harikishan in Pottery, New Delhi, Sabina Khatoon in Batik, West Bengal, and Abdul Wahab Khatri in Tie and Dye, Gujarat. The innovative art pieces thus created will be displayed in the last two days.
Established in 1986, Dastkari Haat Samiti helps over 60,000 artisans by organizing annual crafts bazaar all over India that provide them with the exposure and bring them into direct contact with the urban customer. Supporting over 350 crafts groups across the 29 Indian states, the organization believes in helping artisans and their families in preserving and providing for their livelihood.
Sustainable, immersive and uplifting, the bazaar holds special attraction for kids as well with traditional regional cuisines, cultural performances, sustainable clothing and eco friendly toys!
“Since the inception in 1986 of the organization and of our crafts bazaars all over India our aim has been to break the barriers between the craftsmen and community by giving them a platform to showcase their craft. Our annual Craft Bazaar at Dilli Haat brings that authenticity of handloom and handmade products back with traditional weaves, sustainable home decor and so many more crafts from different states of India.”, shares Ms Jaya Jaitly, Founder of Dastkari Haat Samiti.
With more than 180 artisans coming together, the craft bazaar will feature everything from a wide range of Vankar shawls of Gujarat, Banarasi textiles from Uttar Pradesh, Handloom Fabrics from Bengal, Bandhani from Gujarat, Handwoven Chanderi, Softest of Pashminas, Ajrakh block printing, Kantha embroidery, Pattachitra paintings, Inlay furniture, papier mache, carpets, durries, home decor accessories and organic products.
A special appeal from Dastkari Haat Samiti – from Jaya Jaitly – Founder of Dilli Haat
Amidst the regular traders who have managed to occupy Dilli Haat for long periods and sell cheap goods made in small factories, Dastkari Haat challenges them by presenting true crafts made by true craftspeople, who seldom get an opportunity to come to Dilli Haat.
The Samiti appeals to the citizens of Delhi and true friends of authentic crafts, to support it by buying crafts, textiles and arts from its stalls during its bazaar. It can always visit Dilli haat another time to buy from its regular occupants.
Remember, the bazaar is entirely self-funded by the craftspeople. The décor, cultural performances and publicity is paid for by sharing equally among them. Let them not lose sales by having traders who are regular occupants compete with them by bargaining or sharing costs.
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