Dastkar winter mela exhibits traditional handicraft, textiles

The Dastkar Winter Mela opened here Thursday with a delightful range of handcrafted products including ikat weaves, banarasi brocades, patchwork quilts, willow baskets, and goods made out of recycled items.

Organised by Delhi-based NGO Dastkar at the Nature Bazaar venue, the winter mela combines the colours, skills and motifs of more than 80 craft groups and craft and natural products entrepreneurs from various states across India including Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, and Bihar.

Mashru weaves from Gujarat, Bandhani from Rajasthan, Kullu and Kinnauri shawls from Himachal Pradesh, and ajrakh from western India will be among the handicrafts at the festival with special focus on felt products and willow basketry.

While felting is the art of making products with many layers of wool flattened over each other, willow baskets are known for their flexible and lightweight nature.

"With the focus on recycling and reusing, Dastkar - Winter Mela will also be featuring products made from recycled goods, bags, jewellery, accessories, lifestyle items, decor etc," the organisers said.

The 15-day event will also offer visitors an opportunity to meet the faces behind the creations, and appreciate the lives and experiences behind their work.

"A special feature of a wide and vivid selection of Kutch shawls and stoles by expert weavers from the Vankar community. Authentic Pashmina and Kani Shawls, in both traditional and innovative contemporary designs and a colourful variety of Ari, Tilla and Sozni embroideries from Kashmir will also be exhibited at the mela," they added.

The winter mela will come to an end on December 23.