Shilpkala Utsav 2017: A showcase of handicrafts by more than 70 women artisans
Women artisans from across India will present their works at the sixth edition of this crafts fair in the Capital.
For Jaipur’s Parvati Devi, it’s the sheer joy of showcasing the jootis (footwear) she makes that brings her to Delhi every year in autumn. “I came here for the first time seven years back. When I displayed my handmade jootis, people liked them so much that I came back again, and since then it has become a permanent feature in my yearly calendar,” says Parvati, who is one of the artisans travelling to the Capital, to showcase their works at Shilpkala Utsav.
Organised by All India Women’s Conference (AIWC), this three-day fair will have exhibits by more than 70 women artisans from 16 Indian states. “These participants will bring along with them their crafts. A variety of handcrafted collections of textiles, crafts, paintings, jewellery, accessories, and a range of dress materials in silk, wool, and cotton. So, from modern apparels to traditional clothes including stoles and saris, and utensils to baskets, candles, blue pottery and lakh bangles, there is a lot that will be displayed, especially for those looking to shop for Diwali,” says Ritu Singhal, convener, Shilpkala Utsav.
The highlight this year will be artisans from Uttarakhand. But, previously there haven’t been any partner states. “This year when we decided to focus on one state, we thought of starting from the dev bhumi — Uttarakhand. Some NGOs from the state will be present, too,” adds Singhal.
“This is the sixth edition of the utsav. The first year when we opened it, it was really a success and was so well received that it encouraged us to do better. Earlier we used to call it Craft Bazaar, when it used to take place in the early 2000s. But it got discontinued for a few years. From 2012 we are conducting it regularly,” says Sheela Satyanarayan, member, AIWC.