Confluence of South Asian crafts at Dastkar bazaar

Craftspeople and crafts organisations from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Afghanistan will come together with their Indian counterparts to showcase their techniques and products at Dastkar South Asian Bazaar.

The bazaar, to be held in association with Delhi Tourism, will offer an insight into the cultural heritage of the region, and showcase common, shared traditions that the nations have in weaving, block printing, leather, metal work, wood carving, crafting and terracotta products.

The bazaar will expose visitors to the craft of Pakistani 'ajrakh' block printing, which finds matching echoes in leather craftsmen from Rajasthan and Kutch. Phulkari from Punjab will be juxtaposed with works from Sindh and Afghanistan, and Shibori tie-dye and indigo dyeing from Bangladesh will vie with Indian bandhni and laheria.

"This will prove a small but colourful window into our neighbours, and of the handcrafts and culture from the region. Workshops on design, marketing, and product development will provide a forum for sharing expertise and experience. Shared food, dance and music will add magic to the ambience of the bazaar," said Laila Tyabji, chairperson of Dastkar.

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

The bazaar will be open Aug 23-Sep 1 at Nature Bazaar, Andheria Mode between 11 a.m and 8 p.m.