The beats of dhamsa, Chhau dancers in vibrant masks, and rows of handcrafted treasures welcome visitors to the Diwali Bazaar at Handloom Haat, Janpath. Organised by Dastkari Haat Samiti, now in its 40th year of empowering artisans, the bazaar is a one-stop festive showcase, from Khurja ceramics and Odisha’s sabai grass artefacts to Jharkhand’s sohrai wall art. “These bazaars are spaces for cultural exchange and learning, both for artisans and visitors,” says founder Jaya Jaitly. “Buying directly from craftspeople is a joy, and the tactile experience is unmatched,” she adds.
The Diwali Bazaar brings India’s handmade traditions alive in festive spirit
Penny, a visitor from London, said, “A shawl I bought from this market last year is something I used every day in London, and I remembered the warmth of the people here. It is a special experience to see the diversity of crafts in India brought here together in a celebration of Indian heritage.”
Lambani embroidery crafts from Karnataka and Maharashtra attract visitors
With geometric patterns such as squares, circles, triangles, rectangles, and lines embroidered in colourful threads, a variety of home decor and utility items crafted using Lambani embroidery are available at the bazaar.
