Egyptian crafts in focus at Dastkari Haat bazaar

Crafts from Egypt will be a highlight of the 28th edition of Dastkari Haat Samiti's annual crafts bazaar that starts Jan 1, 2014 at Dilli Haat here.

Marble inlay, bead work, telli work, leather work, papier mache, weaving, block making, natural dyeing, and embroidery are some of the Egyptian crafts that will be on display.

Conceived by craft expert Jaya Jaitly, the 'bazaar' will witness over 160 craftspeople from the villages, towns and cities of various parts of India as well as some Egyptian craftsmen. The latter have been invited to collaborate with Dastkari Haat Samiti to conduct a skill training and exchange workshop at the event, which will conclude Jan 15.

The idea behind the collaboration is to nurture long-term friendships and provide unique inputs to the crafts sector while enhancing economic well-being and diplomatic ties at the ground level, said a statement.

From India, Sadhna group from Rajasthan, Saasha group from West Bengal, Sabala group from Karnataka, Embroidery of Punjab by Nabha Foundation and Embroidery from Artesania from Gujarat, will represent the country's rich craft culture.

Also, National and state-awardees from Bihar, Gujrat, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and others will demonstrate their skills during the event.

To add to the charm of the event, there will be folk musicians from Rajasthan as well as folk dances such as Kalbelia, Langa and Bhavai will be staged as well.