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Award-Winning Artisans Showcase India's Weaving Heritage at Delhi Expo

The Parishkriti handloom exhibition in Delhi brings national award-winning artisans from across India to showcase and sell their work directly to customers. Weavers like Khokan Nandi from West Bengal highlight iconic textiles such as Dhakai Jamdani and Baluchari silk, while noting the craft's decline due to a shortage of artisans. Angika Khushwaha from Varanasi represents Banarasi sarees and brocades, emphasizing the benefit of eliminating middlemen for both buyers and weavers. Organized by the Ministry of Textiles, the week-long event aims to connect rural weavers with urban customers and promote sustainable, traditional craftsmanship.

Key Points: Parishkriti Expo: Handloom Artisans Showcase Crafts in Delhi

  • Direct platform for artisans
  • Showcases iconic textiles like Dhakai Jamdani
  • Aims to sustain declining crafts
  • Eliminates middlemen for fair prices
  • Promotes sustainable fashion
2 min read

Award-winning artisans bring traditional crafts to Delhi at Parishkriti expo

National award-winning weavers from Bengal, Varanasi & across India exhibit traditional sarees & textiles at Delhi's Parishkriti handloom expo.

"We have brought weavers from across the country to a premium venue where they can sell their products directly. - M. Beena"

New Delhi, Feb 23

A week-long handloom exhibition showcasing India's rich weaving traditions has brought award-winning artisans and weavers from across the country to the national capital, offering them a platform to sell directly to customers without intermediaries.

Organised by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms under the Ministry of Textiles in association with the Weavers Service Centre in Delhi, the exhibition titled "Parishkriti - Perfection Interlaced" is being held at India International Centre from February 22 to 28.

Speaking to IANS, National awardee weaver Khokan Nandi from West Bengal, said the event highlights the region's iconic textiles, including Dhakai Jamdani saree, lightweight cotton Tant, Kantha embroidery and Baluchari silk.

"We have been making these sarees at home since childhood. Earlier, many people in our village used to produce them, but now the work is gradually declining due to a shortage of artisans," he said, adding that production costs often exceed what customers are willing to pay.

He noted that government support is helping sustain the craft to some extent and emphasised the uniqueness of handwoven designs made from pure silk and cotton.

Another national awardee, Angika Khushwaha from Varanasi, said around 20-21 stalls representing different states have been set up, with many participants belonging to the weaving community.

"We represent Varanasi with Banarasi sarees, brocades, lehengas, dupattas and shawls. More than half of the participants are national awardees," she said, thanking the Ministry of Textiles for the initiative.

She added that eliminating middlemen allows buyers to obtain authentic products at fair prices while ensuring better returns for artisans.

Inaugurating the exhibition, Development Commissioner (Handlooms) M. Beena said the initiative aims to connect rural weavers directly with premium customers in Delhi.

"We have brought weavers from across the country to a premium venue where they can sell their products directly. This is the second year of the event, and we hope to organise it annually," she added.

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the exhibition promotes sustainable fashion, traditional craftsmanship and the Union government's push for locally made products.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Cutting out the middlemen is the key. My mother used to weave, and I've seen how little they earn after everyone else takes their cut. The government must do more of these expos in every major city. Our heritage needs to be preserved and valued.
R
Rohit P
It's heartbreaking to hear that the number of artisans is declining. We need to make these crafts aspirational for the younger generation. Maybe tie-ups with fashion designers for modern adaptations? The skill is priceless.
S
Sarah B
As someone new to India, I'm fascinated by the depth of craftsmanship. Events like these are an incredible learning experience. I hope they continue annually and perhaps even have workshops so people can understand the effort behind each piece.
V
Vikram M
While I appreciate the effort, I wish the article gave more details on how the government support actually works. Is it just platforms to sell, or are there subsidies, training programs, or help with raw materials? Transparency would build more trust in such initiatives.
A
Ananya R
Banarasi sarees are a dream! So glad Varanasi is represented. My wedding lehenga was a Banarasi brocade, and nothing compares to its richness. Will definitely visit the expo this weekend. More power to our weavers! 🙏

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