Dastkari Annual Fair

I was in Delhi for the Dastkari Craft Bazaar at Dilli Haat earlier this month and picked up some beautiful gifts. If you're in Delhi, I highly recommend a visit to Dilli Haat where hundreds of craftspeople from all over the country have set up stalls selling their state's craft specialities. It's a great day out for children and adults alike. Along with the craft stalls are demonstrations and workshops for all, as well as food stalls from every state. 

Here is a round up of some of the things I saw.

 Hand painted fans from Andhra Pradesh

A very sweet game of Ludo

 Beaded flowers

 

Basket making workshops by African artists  

 Felted woollen fabrics, made in Kashmir

 Everyone loves a bit of Candy floss!

 Colourful baskets from Andhra Pradesh

 Weaving demonstration

  

I particularly loved these hand painted papier-mâché birds from Orissa. 

upcycling craft heroes

Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Ludhiana

Made by Muktesh in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Ludhiana

Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad

Shaheed Bhagad Singh Nagar, Ludhiana

Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Ludhiana

Ludhiana-Jalandhar highway, near Phillaur

Jandiala, near Phagwara

Made by Muktesh in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar

First spotted while trotting around Manek Chowk in Ahmedabad with Meanest Indian, I have come to discover that women across the country are making these beautiful woven charpoys (manja in Punjabi) or beds for their homes. These are often made from remnants or old sarees and dupattas, although some women also use new fabric. They braid the fabric into rope, which is eventually woven around a wooden (traditionally) or metal frame.

Unconventional material like shiny crisp packets or plastic bags are also used, as seen here. I came across some shiny charpoys in Delhi on a recent visit but unfortunately couldn't take any photos at the time. I will have to go back and find them again!

 The rope can be bought for 50/kg and used to make charpoys or as fancy rope to hang laundry.

They are woven in many different weaves, details of some can be seen below.

23/03/2011: I found some unconventional manjas on my way to Mussoorie last weekend. The one below was spotted in Herbertpur in Dehradun district (Uttrakhand). It is made of plastic bags and sachets.