After nearly a decade, the much-awaited Dastkari Haat Crafts Bazaar was formally inaugurated in Chennai on 30 January 2026, marking the return of one of India’s most respected craft platforms to the city. The week-long bazaar is being held at the NIFT Campus, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Tharamani, and will continue until 5 February 2026.
The inauguration ceremony, held at 5:00 pm, was graced by eminent classical dancer and guru Ms. Leela Samson, who formally opened the bazaar in the presence of senior members of the arts and culture fraternity, craft patrons, designers, curators, and well-wishers of Dastkari Haat Samiti. The opening evening reflected the spirit of the platform, celebrating India’s artisans, handmade traditions, and the enduring relevance of living craft practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Leela Samson shared that it brings her immense joy to see Indian artists creating art with their hands, noting that their work instinctively brings a smile to her face. She remarked that Chennai is fortunate to host an exhibition of this nature and encouraged the city’s residents to experience and celebrate India’s rich living craft traditions.
Curated by Dastkari Haat Samiti, the bazaar brings together master artisans, weavers, painters, and craft communities from across India. The showcase presents a wide spectrum of traditional arts, crafts, and textiles, including Pattachitra, Pichhwai, Gond, Kalighat, Godna, and Madhubani paintings, along with Dhokra metal craft, bamboo and cane work, copper bells, pottery, silver filigree, and Channapatna woodwork.
The textile section offers a journey across India’s handloom and surface traditions, featuring Ajrakh hand block prints, Shibori, Batik, Chikankari, Kantha, Ikat, Chanderi, Maheshwari, and Jamdani. Visitors can directly engage with artisans, gaining insight into techniques passed down through generations.
Adding to the immersive cultural experience are Chhau dance performances from West Bengal and traditional Rajasthani cuisine, creating a multi-sensory celebration that extends beyond shopping.
Representatives of Dastkari Haat Samiti shared that the return of the bazaar to Chennai after ten years is especially meaningful, given the city’s long-standing appreciation for craft, culture, and thoughtful design. Hosting the event at NIFT Chennai further highlights the connection between traditional craftsmanship, contemporary creativity, and design education.
Open daily from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm, the Dastkari Haat Crafts Bazaar offers Chennai residents and visitors an opportunity to slow down and experience a unique craft extravaganza, where every piece carries a story and every artisan represents a living legacy.
