The Dastkar Nature Bazaar in Delhi had a new and interesting venue this time – Kisaan Haat near Chhattarpur Metro Station. Kisaan Haat is a government initiative – a market built for farmers to circumvent middlemen and sell their produce directly to consumers. The project however did not take off. Apparently the farmers were more keen to stick to farming than trading. Hence Kisaan Haat lay uninhabited the last few years.
Dastkaar, with their bright orange theme stalls and colourful festoons had transformed the barren brick structure on a dry and dusty hillock to a celebration of life in India. The range of handicraft was wide – pickles in clay pots – stone diyas – jute letter and key holders with masks – Kalamkari paintings – elephant-dropping paper products – khaddar – so on and so forth – in about 200 stalls arranged in concentric circles.
The artisans were a merry fusion of city bred designers and traditional craftsmen. With Diwali festivities around the corner, this was just what the city needed by way of options for corporate presents / touching gifts for family and friends.
The food stalls were clustered at one corner – we had sabudana vadas, chicken kathi rolls – chai – we loved all of it!
This is a common problem – Indian handicraft is losing its age-old character as “art in life” and now targets the limited areas of women’s wear or decor items.