'Cause it’s Diwali

From the narrow lanes of Jamia have taken birth these beautiful artworks and handicrafts, which also are a tool of empowerment. With decorative dolls, wall-hangings, hand puppets and hand-woven finery, this festive Fete in town has a lot to offer, all for a good cause.

From the narrow lanes of Jamia have taken birth these beautiful artworks and handicrafts, which also are a tool of empowerment. They will be exhibited at the third edition of a Diwali bazaar called Jamia Bazaar. Organised by The Centre for Equity and Inclusion (CEQUIN), a non-profit organisation, the bazaar will host 40 stalls by NGOs including one by the hosts. The initiative aims at creating livelihoods for marginalised and excluded sections of the population.

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“We work with the women and girls who reside in the area around Jamia,” says Lora Prabhu, director, CEQUIN. The organisation works with the second and third generation of migrants who have lost touch with traditional skills. “After imparting skill training in them, we want to create a selling sense in them, so that they know what kind of product sells,” says Sara Pilot, chairperson of the organisation.

The products made by these women include handmade decorative dolls, hangings, hand puppets and hand woven fancy borders and laces. “The entire process of making laces by hand on adda has got lost somewhere, thanks to machines. We aim at reviving the art form,” says Prabhu. “Many women and girls, who are victims and survivors of prostitution, work towards alternate livelihood options, by making products and crafts that can be sold to open markets,” says Ruchira Gupta, Founder, Apne Aap Women Worldwide.