Venue: Meherchand Market

The demand for Indian handloom and handicrafts soars during festival season. While we have somewhat moved away from our traditional skills, various organisations are trying to work towards their revival. Consequently traditional weaves and crafts have got modern makeovers making these great gifts for Rakhi as well as the line of festivals that follow till year end. Dastkaari Haat at Meherchand Market off Lodhi Road seems to be an initiative on these lines.

We were at Meherchand Market the other evening. While sipping tea  from a roadside van we were intriguided to see a glass window with an oversized madhubani tiger peeking out! Curious, we crossed the road and came to the Dastkari Haat store, the wall art tiger was part of the store decor.

Established by Jaya Jaitley, ex-minister and a crafts aficionado, Dastkaari Haat sells a host of handloom and handicraft that fit very well in our urban lives. Their repertoire comprises hand woven materials, clothes and saris, winter wear comprising woven as well as knitted items, light furniture, cushion covers with modern prints and appliques, ornaments, bags, masks, artifacts, table wear and believe you me – games and toys! The products are colourful but not gaudy and a piece or two could add a lot of oomph to our wardrobes or homes we thought. If nothing, it is definitely a more eco-friendly approach towards life.

Dastkaari Haat is more than just a lifestyle store in South Delhi, it’s a lifestyle.