The much eagerly awaited Dastkari Haat, a festival organized by Dastkari Haat Samiti and the Kalakshetra Foundation is back in Chennai this year with its promise of ethnic arts and wide range of handcrafted products. There is also a special event named Akshara (meaning "the word") , unique exposition of regional calligraphy on crafts, textiles and arts.
The pathway was filled with paper Lanterns
decorated with dry leaves and seeds..
decorated with dry leaves and seeds..
The history of word explained...
There are around 100s of stalls, all packed with India's rich heritage of handicrafts and handlooms and what you see in each and every stall is really breathtaking - It clearly out beats any other craft festival that is conducted in the city. Guess I will stop with this and let the pictures do all the talking.... !!
Beautifully -painted terracotta products from Delhi...
Their colorful piggy banks were fast selling... !!
I got one of these for myself ;-)
Terracotta chimes decorated with colorful beads..
Black Longpi pottery from Manipur..
Pipes - in bull horn shape...
The Hookah with a human face was an interesting
feature in the shop...
Quilt patchwork in vibrant colors... !!
Wide range of terracotta tea pots & cups..
Glass bottles with colorfully painted figures ....
Bangles made of palm leaves from KanyaKumari.
and geometric patterns on them .
in this shop... !!
The way the exhibition is organized by Kalakshetra in a well-organized manner, adds to the charm. Along with the art and craft exhibition, there are also various daytime and evening dance performances. The exhibition is open till Dec 13 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Kalakshetra Foundation, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai.
A beautifully set stage for the performances...
Performers singing a rajasthani folk song...,
which I enjoyed though I never understood a word... ;-)
Lovely! thanks for sharing Emreen!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful items!! what a lovely treat!! I love the terracotta lamps. very pretty!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! Emreen- I am flattered and Thank you so much :) :) I am also deeply envious of you! I wish I was in your shoes! I am sending you an email as I have so much to tell you and also ask you about everything that you've featured.
ReplyDelete@GB , @Purnima : Thanks a lot for the lovely comments..
ReplyDelete@Divya : THanks once again for letting me know.... ;-) ;-)
Wow.. beautiful hand crafted items. Is the exhibition still on? Please let me know the venue. Would love to see it in person.
ReplyDelete@Iniyaal - Thanks a lot..No, its over... he event takes place every year in chennai during Dec or Jan.. ( Guess across the country too... ) The exhibition was open till Dec 13 at Kalakshetra Foundation, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. T
ReplyDeleteTalent thrives in every corner of India!
ReplyDeletelovely pics...:)i really really loved the Christmas bells...something unique...!!
ReplyDeleteIs the exhibition coming again..???
ReplyDelete