The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Mumbai successfully hosted the Craft Bazar 2025 on 6th and 7th March 2025, celebrating India’s rich and diverse traditional crafts. This initiative aimed to support artisans and promote indigenous craftsmanship.
The event featured artisans showcasing and selling a variety of handcrafted products, including Block Printing, Batik, Santhal Painting, Crochet, Nagpur Textiles, Kolhapuri Chappals, Chitrakathi Painting, Paithani, and Maheshwari textiles. The participating artisans included:
- Mr. Maruti Bamne
- Mr. Kundan Satpute
- Ms. Meenu Aanand
- Ms. Siya S. Vaigankar
- Ms. Klasy D’Souza
- Mr. Sachin Potdar
- Ms. Smita Manivannan Chakravarthi
- Mr. Pritam Sataynarayan Pandhurnekar
- Ms. Vijaya Pawar
- Mr. Sagar Vijay Kherud
- Mr. Vrajkumar Vinaykumar Makwana
The Craft Bazar was open to students, faculty, and craft enthusiasts, offering them an opportunity to explore exquisite craftsmanship while directly supporting artisan-led businesses.
Artisan Awareness Workshop
To further empower artisans, an Artisan Awareness Workshop was conducted on 5th and 6th March 2025, providing valuable insights on:
Craft Policies and Market Skills
Origami Packaging
Product Diversification
Ergonomics
Mobile Photography & Social Media Presence
These sessions were designed to enhance artisans’ market knowledge, enabling them to expand their craft and increase sales. Additionally, a Craft Demonstration segment featured live showcases by talented artisans, offering visitors a firsthand look at traditional techniques.
Spectrum 2025: A Celebration of Creativity
Alongside the Craft Bazar, NIFT Mumbai hosted its annual fest, Spectrum’25, on 7th & 8th March 2025, bringing together students and creative minds for a grand celebration of culture, arts, and innovation.
The event was inaugurated by esteemed guests:
- Chief Guest: Mr. Harsh Gupta, Founder of Harsh Harsh Label
- Guest of Honour: Mrs. Archana Pardhaan, Tehsildar (Revenue & Forest)
- Guest of Honour: Mr. Sizil Srivastava, Founder of Lifafa Studios
Theme: ILLUSIA – A World Beyond Imagination
This year, Spectrum’25 revolved around the captivating theme, “ILLUSIA”, a surrealist exploration of creativity where fantasy meets reality. “ILLUSIA” represented:
A euphoria of colors and textures
A dreamlike fusion of imagination and artistic expression
A deep dive into the subconscious, where creativity flourishes in the unknown
The theme inspired students to push the boundaries of their creativity, making the impossible possible through an amalgamation of mind, heart, and soul.
A Platform for Talent & Expression
Spectrum’25 featured a diverse range of activities, including:
Literary Events
Film & Photography Exhibitions
Cultural Performances
Sports Competitions
Meena Bazar – A Student-Led Creative Market
Students also participated in workshops, showcasing their artistic and entrepreneurial skills by selling their creations.
Celebrating Culture, Innovation & Sustainability
The Craft Bazar, Artisan Awareness Workshop, and Spectrum’25 collectively highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage and creative spirit. NIFT Mumbai remains committed to:
- Preserving and promoting traditional crafts
- Empowering artisans with innovation and sustainability
- Providing students with a dynamic platform for self-expression and creativity
Through initiatives like these, NIFT Mumbai continues to bridge tradition with modernity, fostering a community where artisans and students thrive together
