Celebrating Craftsmanship: Dastkari Haat Samiti's 38-Year Journey

Dastkari Haat Samiti (DHS) is celebrating its 38th anniversary by hosting a lively 10-day craft bazaar at Handloom Haat on Janpath in central Delhi, starting October 16. This exciting move comes at the request of the DC Handlooms from the Ministry of Textiles and perfectly coincides with the festive season leading up to Diwali.

Founded in 1986 by the renowned Jaya Jaitly, DHS has become a beacon for the craft community, empowering artisans from all over India. It has given them a strong identity and enhanced their social and economic status.

A Fresh Identity

In addition to the bazaar, DHS is unveiling a refreshed look to celebrate its legacy and commitment to artisans. This includes a new logo, designed by Jaya Jaitly and Dimple Bahl, which features a focal red dot symbolising creation and collective spirit. The logo also reflects the beauty of Indian typography, connecting back to Jaitly’s previous projects.

Bazaar Highlights

This year’s bazaar, crafted in collaboration with Studio Lotus, promises to be visually stunning. A central pavilion will display exquisite works that inspire architects and interior designers. Visitors can explore diverse crafts, including:

• Carpet weaving from Uttar Pradesh and Kashmir

• Sanjhi paper craft from Uttar Pradesh

• Mud-mirror work from Gujarat

• Terracotta from Odisha

• Seashell work from West Bengal

Attendees will also see a variety of textiles, such as Bandhani, Banarasi weaves, and block printing.

The bazaar will also feature artisans from across India, showcasing a rich array of traditional crafts and materials, including metal, wood, and bamboo.

There will be workshops on various crafts, including Madhubani painting, Patachitra art, Warli, Kalighat, and Gond painting. These sessions will provide a unique chance for participants to learn from master artisans and explore potential collaborations. Besides, there will be presentations on recent art and textile installations by DHS in the Shilp Gallery of the New Parliament Building.

Of course, no celebration would be complete without music and delicious food, adding to the vibe of this year’s bazaar.