Sixty craftsmen from across India have converged in Mumbai at the Dastkaar Bazaar
Sixty craftsmen from across India have converged in Mumbai at the Dastkaar Bazaar
Walk into the Dastkar Bazaar and you will see a flower vase and plant holders made out of gourds, and puppets that reflect light. These are, however, just some of the many artworks made by craftsmen from different parts of the country. In all, the bazaar displays the works of 60 craftsmen groups. Dastkar, an organisation that has been working with craftsmen for 30 years, is exhibiting this year at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sagrhalaya. The exhibition, which began on Friday, will be on till May 23. The bazaar returns to Mumbai after three years. "Many products are new and were not part of the 2008 exhibition," says coordinator Deepanshi Seth.
A major draw are the colourful leather shadow puppets from Andhra Pradesh. Tiny holes are punched in each, in a way that they reflect light and create a shadow effect. Other interesting items include Sanjhi works from Rajasthan. A kind of paper craft in which different designs are made by using scissors, and which are bereft of any sketching or painting, Sanjhi is used in coasters and bookmarks. Paintings on palm leaves made by craftsmen from Orissa that make for beautiful wall hangings, are also available at the bazaar.
For those who love ethnic clothes and jewellery, a visit to the bazaar is a must. Among clothes, weaves of different kinds including block prints, Kosa silk, tussar, Kanjeevaram and Kota weaves can be seen on everything from sarees and dresses to kurtis and skirts. Tribal jewellery from Karnataka and Dokra work is a major attraction too. Dokra jewellery is made of brass and copper and according to DD Bhaira, who is exhibiting his products at the bazaar, making a single piece is a tedious process.
"First we have to make the design in clay, then pour wax over it, and cover it with mud. Then we pour brass in between the two mud layers. It takes about 10 to 12 days to make one piece of jewellery," says Bhaira. You will also find Bodo weaves, reed paintings, leather bags, footwear, bamboo products and fibre products in the display.
Though Dastkar is associated with about 30,000 craftsmen across the country, founder Laila Tyabji, feels it is just a drop in the ocean. "There are over 14 million craftsmen in India and many art forms are dying because there have not been enough efforts to revive them."
At: Dastkar Bazaar, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Fort. From 10.30 am to 7.30 pm.
Call: 22844484
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