Embracing the Soul of South India: Dastkar Comes to Chennai!
Dastkar is stepping into the vibrant, culturally rooted city of Chennai, the heart of South India, from 4th-12th January 2025!
After witnessing the overwhelming love and energy from the previous Chennai Dastkar Bazaar, we’re thrilled to announce that this year’s event is even bigger and more extravagant than ever before. With a brand-new venue, this bazaar promises to be a grand celebration of crafts and culture, with over 110 skilled artisans from nearly 18 Indian states, featuring exquisite creations from across the country and your native states as well! It’s your trust, the artisans’ dedication, and the unmatched warmth of Chennai that inspire us to return with an even more stunning showcase.
Known for its rich culinary heritage, serene beaches, aromatic filter coffee, and Dravidian temples, this January, as the city prepares for the festive spirit of Pongal, Dastkar is bringing an unforgettable experience to your doorstep.
Craft Highlights
What’s New: Dastkar is bringing an extraordinary lineup of crafts and artisans, including handwoven Linen, Kantha Embroidery, Leather Puppets, Meenakari Jewelry, Tussar Silk Weaving, Hand Shibori Natural Dye, Punja Dhurries, Terracotta, Bamboo Products, Tribal Mural Art, Copper Bells, Applique Work, and more!
Textiles to Cherish: Cotton Jamdani | Lambani and Chikankari Embroidery | Batik and Bandhani | Khadi, Chanderi, Banarasi, Maheshwari, and Ikat Weaving | Bagru, Dabu, Ajrakh, and Indigo Block Printing | Patch Work | Kalamkari Hand Painting.
Other Crafts to Explore: Mat, Cane, and Sabai Grass Weaving | Kashmiri Papier Mache | Musical Instruments | Gourd and Wood Carving | Neem Wood Work | Glass and Beaded Jewelry | Leather Bags and Footwears | Lacquer Toys | SeaShell Work | Dhokra Work | Sholapith Work | Horn Craft | Organic Essence Sticks and Itar | Natural Wellness Products
Folk Arts: Pichwai, Kalighat, Pattachitra and Madhubani Painting | Gond and Sanjhi Art | Miniature
Find all this and more at Dastkar Chennai!
Other Highlights
At Dastkar Chennai, we’re excited to bring you a series of interactive demonstrations led by our talented artisans. These sessions are an opportunity to explore traditional Indian crafts, and interact directly with the artisans.
Craft Demonstrations of Glass Bangles, Carpet, and Sholapith Work
Cultural Performance
Chhau dance, a vibrant masked traditional dance from Jharkhand blending martial arts, storytelling, and folk traditions.
Food Court
Savor the flavors of India at our multi-cuisine food court, featuring delectable dishes from various regions. Pair your snacks with refreshing hot and cold beverages as you explore the lively buzz of the bazaar.
Dastkar welcomes all members of the family, including the four-legged ones! Our bazaar is a pet-friendly venue
About Dastkar
Dastkar is a national NGO established in 1981. Our core focus is on uplifting traditional Indian craftspeople and crafts.By bridging the gap between traditional rural artisans and contemporary urban consumers, it strives to bolster the position of crafts through support services, acting as a consultant, trainer, designer, evaluator, and resource provider to craft groups. Furthermore, Dastkar serves as an organizer of direct retail platforms, facilitating meaningful connections between craftspeople, cultural performers, urban consumers, and international buyers. With a national reach encompassing over 600 craft groups and small producers across 25 Indian states, Dastkar positively impacts the lives of approximately 1 Lakh artisans annually. Dastkar achieves its mission through collaborative efforts with governmental, non-governmental, and foreign agencies, serving as an advisor, assessor, and source of support for craft groups.
