JOIN USFrom the heart of the enchanting desert dreamscape of Thar, Dastkar is presenting ‘Desert Crafts 2014’ - a vibrant celebration of the traditional crafts and cultural exuberance of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The heritage conservation society has brought together hundreds of indigenous textile masters, ranging from the Kutchi to Dabu Chippas (block printers) of the two western states, to adorn you with the most beautiful ethnic outfits. At your pleasure are Rajasthan’s terracotta pottery, wooden toys and miniature paintings, and Gujarat’s copper bells, leather craft and lacquer ornaments.
Also, to enthrall visiting families in the evenings, will be present dozens of food stalls offering the best of Rajasthani and Gujarati cuisine. Don’t miss out on the cultural performances. All of this and more is awaiting you at the Nature Bazaar, near Chhatarpur Metro Station, till August 31 from 11 am
to 7:30 pm.
A spokesperson at Dastkar said, “We, as an NGO working with crafts and craftspeople for over three decades, strongly believe 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, revitalising both the craft and the community. Crafts of Rajasthan and Gujarat have always had many patrons but never has all of their cultural vibrancy been showcased under one roof. Desert Crafts is a maiden effort, but we are sure it will be loved by all.”
Women can revel in handwoven woollen stoles and home linen at the Bazaar made by Vankar weavers from Kutch, Gujarat. The ancient block-printing techniques of Ajrakh, Dabu and Shibori have been given a contemporary twist by craftsmen-designers to create distinct collections of apparel.
Delicate patchwork and appliqué form a maze of motifs and make for beautifully embellished garments. The languishing Gujarati craft of Tangaliya and Patola weaves have also been revived with live demonstrations here to remind us ofthe skilled craftsmanship they embody.
An array of hand-crafted accessories and decoratives vow to bring an ethnic yet modern touch to homes. The sweet sounds of Copper Bells from Gujarat; hand-crafted wooden games, puzzles and kavads (portable wooden shrines) from Rajasthan; fine folk miniature paintings of the Shekhawati style from Jaipur and Mewadi style from Udaipur; Lipan mud and mirror wall decorations; blue, black and terracotta pottery – all reflect the unique aesthetics of the Great Indian Desert.
Camel Charisma is also presenting a unique collection of camel products – camel dung paper stationary, camel milk soaps and stoles woven with camel wool. Remember to visit the food stall and see folk performances by artistes from Gujarat and Rajasthan for a complete experience.