Celebration of handcrafted weaves at Dastkar

Traditional weaves like tussar, chanderi and maheshwari, with folk art traditions like madhubani and miniature paintings are on display at the Dastkar Festival of Lights here to celebrate Diwali.

Over 100 organisations are participating in the exhibition, organised by Dastkar, a society for craftsmen with Delhi Tourism, where traditional jewellery, hand-woven shawls and copper-coated belts from Kutch with other crafts are being exhibited.

"Diwali is a time for sharing and giving gifts. What can be a better gift than something hand-crafted? Something on which an artisan has spent time and which represents our culture and tradition," said Laila Tyabji, Dastkar's chairperson, in a statement.

Apart from exhibiting traditional weaves from many states, hand-made lanterns, perfume and organic candles are also available.

The exhibition will end Oct 19.

Dastkar was founded in 1981 by six women who worked in the crafts and development sector, and its aim is to help craftsmen, especially women who use their own skills as a means of employment, income generation and self-sufficiency.