It’s that time of year when Hyderabad buzzes with fervent energy and excitement, as Dastkar Haat makes its grand return to the City of Pearls. The vibrant craft fair is celebrated for an array of handcrafted treasures such as beads, glass jewelry, miniature toys, and saris, all brought to life by the creative skills of artisans hailing from diverse corners of India. The exhibition has rapidly forged a reputation among Hyderabadis for its unique and authentic offerings.
Upon arrival, visitors are immediately embraced by the mesmerizing sounds of live Rajasthani folk music, setting the tone for an immersive cultural experience. Adjacent to these melodic performances, one can find craftsmen diligently transforming scrap metal into charming toy cars, and intricate figures of insects and birds. Meanwhile, a burst of color catches the eye at another stall where artisans present their vibrant ceramic creations, ranging from whimsical to practical, with no limit on the number of items one can purchase, and prices starting from a modest ₹100 – which will get you a strikingly colorful ceramic bowl or two.
The corner booth by Kadam Haat is sure to draw fashion enthusiasts with their line of eco-conscious and style-forward bags. Notably, their sabai grass bag collection is a must-see. They also boast sizable sheetal pati totes, with affordability woven into the experience as prices begin at ₹1,000. In close proximity, a stall offers an assortment of bags crafted from upcycled plastic wrappers, demonstrating the creative reuse of plastic and its diversion from polluting landfills. These items carry a starting price of ₹1,200, proving that sustainable fashion can be accessible.
A visit to the haat would be incomplete without a foray into the silk saris and materials section. Silk enthusiasts will be delighted with the natural dyes and hand embroidery adorning these luxurious fabrics. A stall from Rajasthan promises a visual treat with saris that feature intricate needle punch designs – a testament to the meticulous skill of the craftsmen.
For those with a penchant for home décor, a unique stall managed by artisan Jagadish showcases items made from banyan leaves, ridge gourd bath sponges, and other vegetable waste such as onion and garlic peels. His use of banyan leaf veins in crafting decorative pieces has captivated many buyers. The aesthetic appeal is enhanced by a neutral palette, which allows the details of these organic materials to stand out.
Board game aficionados will find themselves drawn to the handcrafted Indian games perfect for travel. Pallet offers board games embellished with delicately hand-painted stone coins that are magnetized, adding a touch of novelty. Moreover, a stall originating from Rajasthan presents a range of products fashioned from elephant poop paper, pushing the boundaries of traditional crafting materials.
Upcycled Denim is a creative hub where your worn-out jeans can be reborn as bags, caps, toys, and jewelry, with an emphasis on durability, style, and environmental responsibility. Jewelry lovers will be pleased to discover a plethora of funky options that carry the essence of Indianess—crafted from textiles, shells, silver, metal, stone, and glass. Not to be overlooked, the dhurries on display may prove irresistibly tempting for those looking to enhance their home with a touch of artisanal flair.
Dastkari Haat promises a collection of jewelry that eschews the commonly seen, mundane exhibition pieces in favor of those crafted by true master artisans. For anyone interested in experiencing this cultural and craft bonanza, the exhibition is open from 11 am to 8 pm at NITHM, Gachibowli, and will run until February 11th. Don’t miss the chance to dive into the rich tapestry of Indian craftsmanship and perhaps take a piece of it home with you.
