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With Diwali festivities just round the corner, the city's pulse can be seen racing to a crescendo with shopping a becoming a delight, thanks to the weather.

With Diwali festivities just round the corner, the city's pulse can be seen racing to a crescendo with shopping a becoming a delight, thanks to the weather. Helping you beat not only the rush but also humdrum shopping options is Dastkar's Nature Bazaar, offering authentic handicrafts, organic gifting options and a few folk performances sprinkled in for good measure.

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With its stalls brimming with handicrafts and handlooms, the Bazaar has moved to Kisaan Haat near Chhattarpur Metro station this year. Spread in concentric circles, the Bazaar has 165-odd stalls representing art and crafts from 22 states.

“Initially we were nervous about moving to a new location, but an overwhelming response has restored our confidence,” says Laila Tyabji, chairperson of Dastkar, the society behind the Bazaar.

The first 20 stalls are by young designers showcasing bags, clothes and accessories. Moving on, you can find many other creative attractions at stalls like the one set up by Arya Vihar Ashram from Uttarakhand showcasing a collection of handmade soaps and face washes. Jagat Ram Devangan from Kondagaon, Chhattishgarh is selling handmade lamp shades and lanterns made from hollowed-out bottle gourds. You can find little-heard of local arts, too. The stall manned by Arifa Jaan from Srinagar sells Namda, an almost dead art used to produce felted, soft-textured rugs. Moving on, prepare to be dazzled by an array of colourful, traditional clothes from the Barmer district of Rajasthan.

On your rounds, also check out the intricate copper bells by an artisan from the Kutch region of Gujarat. They claim that no two bells sound alike and you are sure to find one that suits your particular taste.

11am – 7pm, till November 9, Dastkar Nature Bazaar, Kisan Haat, Andheria Mod. For details, call: 26494633