Craftsmen from South Asian countries will display their crafts in the Capital starting Thursday. The Asia Bazaar, the fourth in line of the annual exhibition conducted to promote Asian craftsmen, is being put together by Dastkar.
The event will be held from August 11 to 22 at Nature Bazaar in Andheria More, south Delhi. Partnering with Delhi Tourism, Dastkar is developing the Nature Bazaar venue in Andheria Mor as a hub for crafts, culture and natural products, linking South Delhi and Gurgaon. Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra will inaugurate the event on Thursday.
Craft techniques
The Asia Bazaar aims to celebrate the rich cultural diversity and vibrancy of South Asian arts, crafts and textiles. The exhibition will have centuries old cultural and craft techniques of craftspeople from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
The uniqueness of this bazaar is bringing the craftsmen of Afghanistan for the first time. Close to 100 crafts group will attend the mela.
It promises to give visitors value on fabrics intricately patterned with vibrant visual imagery, beautiful dyes and fantastically hued embroideries.
These weaves convey deep social meanings and are cultural expressions of the region they belong. This makes ownership of a handcrafted piece much more meaningful because of the personal connection between the customer and the artisan. Not only will customers find great arts and crafts, but they will also enjoy the whole experience, from talking to the craftspeople to watching live performances, grabbing a bite to eat at the ‘food court’, and watching artisans demonstrate their crafts.
From the Afghanistan craftsmen, visitors can expect carpets, garments and jewellery, the ones from Bangladesh will bring Tangail weaving, Indigo and shibori garments and Pakistan will bring its phulkari embroidery, gota work, truck art, home decor, handicrafts and garments, leather footwear and utensils. The craftsmen from Bhutan also have a lot in store to offer to the visitors including traditional hand-woven semi intricate kira, wall hangers and table runners, table mats, cushion covers, buckwheat, dresses, bags, pouches, purses and pure silk stoles.
Artisans from the neighbouring country of Nepal are also a part of the bazaar and will bring hand-woven bamboo cotton, hemp, banana fibre and wool garments and home decor.
“Dastkar, working with crafts and craftspeople for over three decades, strongly believes in crafts as a catalytic tool for social and economic empowerment and earning. Dastkar is committed to breaking the barriers that separate craftspeople from mainstream urban markets, reviving and revitalizing both the craft and the community,” read a statement from the organisation.
[Source: The hindu]
