Craftकथा
Craftकथा

Craftकथा, a celebration of India’s rich handicraft heritage, is an annual event dedicated to showcasing the authenticity and sustainability of crafts. The name itself, “Craftकथा,” emphasizes that craft is not just about creating products; it’s about narrating stories that echo the pride of cultural traditions upheld by skilled craftsmen across generations.

Mission

To catalyze growth for the Craft Sector by fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for the crafts.

Vision

To strengthen the Craft Sector by bringing in more visibility, understanding and sense of pride regarding Crafts among the Indian consumers

Craftकथा envisions addressing the misrepresentation of crafts in the market, ensuring both consumers and artisans reap the true benefits of these timeless creations. Future Endeavors:

Craftकथा is not just an event; it’s a movement. We plan to make this an annual affair, spreading its reach to different states each year. This initiative is a stepping stone towards building a platform that not only promotes handicrafts but also serves as a catalyst for sustainable growth in the sector.

Craftकथा – where each craft tells a story, each product symbolizes culture, and every artisan’s touch adds a personal narrative to the untold stories of India’s rich heritage.

Craftकथा is a lore that transforms with each telling, like each craft piece that holds its own interpretation, even when born from the same hands.

Our logo, inspired from ancient origami techniques, unfolds layer by layer, revealing untold stories within. It embodies the potential for countless narratives, waiting to be discovered. The earthy, unassuming palette echoes the soul of our vision and brand, mirroring the simple elegance of handcrafted treasures.

We are storytellers, weaving a tapestry where the word “craft” (skill) finds voices and free-flowing conversations. Each “कथा,” (story) adds a vibrant thread to our collective narrative. As we grow, so too does Craft Katha, ever unfolding, ever-evolving, forever celebrating the beauty and stories woven into the very fabric of the handmade.

Craftकथा Schedule

Day 1 - 23rd Feb, 2024

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Commencement of the event by H.E. Mr. Philip Green OAM

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

कला Class: Natural colour extraction workshop

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Craft झरोखा- Display of Craft Processes

बूझो तो जाने- Machinemade vs Handmade

मेरी कहानी सुनो- Textile Wall

Craft हाट- Artisan Interaction

Inaugural Session

3:00 PM - 3:10 PM

Welcome speech by Ms Roopa Mehta, President AIACA

3:10 PM - 3:15 PM

Lighting of the lamp

3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Screening of a film about creation of sustainable value chain by AIACA in Uttrakhand.

4:00 PM - 4:15 PM

Key Note Address- Dr. Ritu Sethi,  Founder-trustee of the Craft Revival Trust

4:15 PM - 4:30 PM

Address by Guest of Honour- Dr. Nidhi Pundhir , Vice President-Global CSR, HCL Foundation

4:30 PM - 4:45 PM

Address by Chief Guest- Sh. Vijay Goyal, Vice Chairperson Gandhi Smriti

4:45 PM - 5:15 PM

Conversation on the publication: Creative Economy and Sustainable Development: The Context of Indian Handicrafts
Ms. Sumitha Ghose , Founder Director- Rangasutra Crafts and Dr. Madhura Dutta - Culture & Development Specialist

5:15 PM- 5:30 PM

Vote of Thanks- Meenu Chopra (Executive Director, AIACA)

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

High-tea

Day 2 - 24th Feb, 2024

Particulars

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Craft झरोखा- Display of Craft Processes

बूझो तो जाने- Machinemade vs Handmade

मेरी कहानी सुनो- Textile Wall

Craft हाट- Artisan Interaction

11:00 PM - 12:30 PM

कला Class: Workshop on Natural colour extraction

11:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Screening of the films, highlighting sustainable practices in the craft sector.

  • Tarasankar Panchagram Seva Samiti, Lapbur, West Bengal

Craft~Banana Fiber

  • Child Social Welfare Society, Markandachka, West Medinipur, West Bengal

Craft~Madhur Katti

  • Kumaon Grameen Udyog, Kasiyalekh, Uttrakhand

Craft~Hand Knitting

  • Himalayan Blooms, Khetikhan, Uttarakhand

Craft~Hand Knitting and Crochet

  • Sadhna, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Craft~ Applique Tanka and Patch work

Highlights of Craftकथा

Craft झरोखा- Display of Craft Processes

Your peek into craft’s soul

Crafts are testaments to countless hours and intricate dances of tradition. Imagine the patience it takes to coax vibrant hues from nature, the artistry in layering each color onto fabric, or the precision of shaping intricate forms. Every step in a craft’s journey is a marvel.

Join us in a dedicated space where the veil is lifted, revealing the soul of each craft. Dive deep into the processes behind seemingly simple forms, witness the transformative alchemy of dyes, the mesmerizing layering of colors, and the delicate skill of shaping objects of beauty. We guarantee you’ll leave with a newfound reverence, eyes opened to the magic woven into every piece.

Crafts on Display

  • Banana Fibre Craft from West Bengal
  • Bandhani from Kutch
  • Sanganeri Block printing, Rajasthan

बूझो तो जाने – Machine Made vs Handmade

Unmasking the Magic of Handmade

Handcrafted treasures hold a special allure, don’t they? But as traditional art takes center stage, knowing what truly defines “handmade” is crucial. It’s not just about justifying the price, but about honoring the dedication of the artists themselves.

Enter our haven, where the touch unveils the truth. Let your fingertips explore the subtle differences between factory-made and handmade wonders. Engage with the artisans, delve into the stories behind each motif, and gain an awareness that goes beyond mere appreciation. Discover the soulfulness stitched into every thread and design. This is your journey to recognizing the magic of handmade, not just with your eyes, but with your heart.

Learn how to identify genuine Crafts

  • Sanganeri Block printing, Rajasthan
  • Traditional Phulkari from Punjab
  • Zardozi from Uttar Pradesh
  • Banarasi Weaves from Varanasi
  • Kota Doria from Rajasthan

मेरी कहानी सुनो –  Textile Wall

 Threading its way through India’s vibrant tapestry, the textile industry ranks as the second-largest generator of employment nationwide. Across the vast country, over 29 lakh handlooms hum with artistic rhythm, weaving not just cloth, but cultural narratives. Mapping this diverse ecosystem presents a complex challenge, yet our “

मेरी कहानी सुनो-Textile Wall” stands as an ode to the 35 million Indians whose lives are intricately woven with this industry. From the shimmering threads of silk to the comforting embrace of cotton and the earthy tones of jute, our stories are told in the versatile language of dyes, textures, and intricate embroideries. Simply scan any handloom piece here to embark on a journey through its rich heritage.

Handlooms and Textile Crafts on Display

  • Applique
  • Cross stitch Embroidery
  • Kota Doria
  • Handloom Brocade
  • Phulkari Embroidery
  • Toda Embroidery
  • Handloom Cotton

  • Cross Stitch Embroidery
  • Chikankari Embroidery
  • Kwadi Weave
  • Bandhani- Tie & Die
  • Leheriya
  • Hand Block Printing

Craft हाट – Artisan Interaction

Learn, Immerse, Engage, Collaborate.

Step into CRAFT हाट, inspired by ancient souks. Imagine yourself transported to the bustling Silk Road, where traders unfold their wares, each piece imbued with a unique story.

Our CRAFT हाट, echoes age-old traditions of handmade. Lose yourself in conversations with artisans, their warmth rivaled only by the sun-drenched dhurries beneath your feet. Touch the textures, feel the journeys they’ve embarked on, and capture memories firsthand with pictures/ videos.

Beyond its charm, CRAFT हाट presents a great opportunity for collaborators to network with Craftmark-certified clusters, delve into a world of authentic, handmade creations, and customize pieces that echo your spirit.

Participating Groups and Crafts on Display

  • Monami Foundation- Crochet/zardozi
  • VHO India- Block Prints
  • Bhartesh Vaibhav- Ajrakh
  • Eco tasar- handloom Tassar/Chanderi
  • Punarjeevana Trust- Pattedi Anchu
  • Kamli Tribes- Cross stitch Embroidery
  • Himalayan Blooms- Crochet
  • Sadhna- Applique, Tankawork
  • Kumaun Grameen Udyog (Kilmora) – Knitting & Weaving
  • Chowhatta Kantha Stitch Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd.- Kantha Stitch
  • Varanasi Weavers and Artisans Society(VWAS)- Banarasi Handloom

  • Child & Social Welfare Society – Madur Kathi
  • Tana Bana Samooh- Handloom Cotton
  • Sirohi- Natural Fibers
  • Nabha Phulkari- Phulkari embroidery
  • Alankaran Designs- Block Prints
  • Happy Threads- Crochet
  • Shwet-Chickankari
  • Aagor Dagra Afad -Bodo Weaving
  • Karuppur Kalamkari, Sikalnayakanpet- Karuppur Kalamkari
  • Toda Embroidery, Nilgiris- Toda Embroidery
  • Mubarakpur Weaves- Mubarakpur Weaving

कला Class

Immerse in the slow dance of Indian art

Join our intimate slow art sanctuary, where time unwinds and you learn directly from master artisans. Our LIVE workshops invite young and old alike to dive deep into these ancient art forms, fostering a connection that transcends words. Come, experience the slow dance of Indian art, and discover a newfound appreciation for the beauty born from patience and passion.

Learn how to make natural Colors from flowers, Leaves and other material

Cost of the Kit: INR 600

The workshop is being organised in collaboration with MeMeraki.