New Delhi News, 14 Feb 2020 : Dastkar’s Basant Bazaar celebrates the coming of spring, with an eclectic mix of crafts, culture and cuisine. With over 120 stalls, come join us as we bring in the best of spring collection through crafts ranging across beautiful shades of naturally dyed fabric in shibori and block prints, embroideries from lambani and suf to chikankari and Kutchi, breathtaking folk art like Madhubani, pichvai, pattachitra, and more, weaves of chanderi, ikat, tangaliya and more, along with a variety of products in home decor, accessories, clothing – be ready to get spoilt for choices!
The Basant Bazaar will also feature Shramik Bharti, a group working with artisans across 8 villages in Punjab.
“The craft of Punjab has been so integral that this was never seen as a decorative but a way of living. Weaving, knitting, knotting, embroidery, or music- Women of Punjab have always stepped to express themselves in various art forms. It is funny as when you ask them about their skills, they refuse to know any. Though when you sit them with colourful threads they can weave, embroider and knit you the intricate details of your imagination. With this project, we intend to introduce the visitors to the wearable craft as a new dimension to what is already known and admired. The knots and hand knits they used as decoratives at the end of the Dhurries are here imagined in contemporary jewellery forms. With the hope being, this would bring back the essence of the grandeur in products and articles we can use and relate. Carrying a piece of heritage, adding value to the banal and detailing the otherwise ordinary. “ a spokesperson from the group mentioned.
Visitors can experience a mini-Punjab as they bring a collection of various crafts from the state along with regional cuisine to the event.
Amongst new groups and first-timers are the following:
Kriya Labs – A brainchild of Enactus Hansraj, a society in Hansraj College Delhi University. Realising that there are several farmers who burn their stubble in Haryana and Punjab because of which the pollution level increases and severely affects the human body, the project was started to eradicate the same. Their products are created using the stubble converted into pulp which can further be used to make eco-friendly products.
Earth Songs – Rooted in the earth, inspired by heritage, earth songs’ brings contemporary western clothing for the modern woman. Wonderful alchemy bringing together natural breathable handloom fabrics with artisan co-designed hand block prints.
Turpaii – A minimalist clothing brand designed & crafted in Lucknow and curated in New Delhi. The first-ever launch of their pilot collection- Tanzeb is an interpretation of juxtaposing traditional chikankari craft with boho-chic silhouettes. Their styles are inspired from artwork, photography, travel and other inspirations that make us tick.
Vedic Creations – As handicrafts and handlooms make their way into the contemporary market, The Yogi brings a fresh collection of hand-painted garments adorned with folk paintings. What excites us more is their collection of garments for men, a rare find at a handicraft bazaar.
The Yogi – A contemporary Indian label based in New Delhi working with sustainable techniques and hand-spun textiles. Their collection ‘Digital on Local’ is inspired by the elements of 1990’s 8-bit Nintendo Video games like Mario, Contra, Space Invaders on old world cotton plant creating a synergy between the digital and local world. The Pixelated motifs are handcrafted by our artisans based in the urban villages around Delhi, whereas, the fabric is hand spun and handwoven by a weaver family based out of Kutch village where the cotton plant is grown organically. Creating a niche for sustainability, this collection is exclusively for exhibits and stores following a similar ideology and mindset.
JV Handlooms – Bringing in a fresh collection of Ikat weaves.
Along with an array of products to shop from, our visitors will also experience delectable cuisines at our Food Court ranging from Rajasthani to Afghani, handmade ladoos across various flavours and much more to experience and rejoice!
Weekends at Dastkar
A Dastkar bazaar always delivers an exciting weekend for all its visitors. There is a special curation of stalls that are available only through Saturday and Sunday. Through the Basant Bazaar, we have the following demonstrations taking place over the weekend:
Sarkanda Grass Weaving – From the state of UP, we bring the practice of weaving the famous mudhas and garden furniture using the wild grass of Sarkanda. Come witness the intricacies of weaving using sarkanda grass. Dates to be disclosed soon!
Dhurrie Weaving and Dyeing – Dhurrie weaving is a core occupation in Mirzapur, and we are delighted to offer a glimpse into what goes behind the beautiful diaries that adorn our living spaces.
Along with demonstrations, we also have a cultural performance all the way from Manipur and Nagaland to be held on the opening weekend of the bazaar 15th 16th.
Dastkar Collaboration with ELSA ( 22-24th February 2020)
Dastkar and the Lady Shri Ram College Alumni Association- ELSA continue their unique initiative to promote women entrepreneurship at the Basant Bazaar, Nature Bazaar-Delhi on February 22-24th2020.
Through this 3-day collaboration, Basant Bazaar seeks to provide a sustainable platform for women-led businesses, design entrepreneurs and startups to showcase their diverse products including textiles, apparel, home furnishings, lifestyle and design products, wellness and accessories.
“Basant Bazaar will bridge the gap between the craftsperson and the user, and we hope to reach out to more women every year via this annual collaboration”, said Sarita Saran, a dedicated member of the ELSA EC and a selfless worker for the cause of upliftment of women.
The three days will also showcase cultural performances to project India’s rich heritage in classical arts by an ELSA alumni Meeta Pandit, a Hindustani Classical vocalist, and also by renowned Hindustani classical singer Sunanda Sharma. Bikram Khurana and his band OSA, drummers will be performing as well. Through the days there will also be other performances organised by students of NGOs. Workshops in lost arts like kite making, Caricature drawing and Madhubani workshops, book reading etc. will also be on during the three days.
ABOUT DASTKAR
Started in 1981, Dastkar affects the lives of more than 1 lakh artisans every year working with over 750 crafts groups across 25 India States. We strongly believe in crafts as catalytic tool for social and economic empowerment and earning. Dastkar’s role is to help craftspeople find the opportunity, confidence & resources to become self-sufficient. Our Bazaars and Exhibitions provide craftspeople with exposure and direct interaction with the urban customers, enabling them to gauge market trends and customer demands for themselves.
