Banana Fibre Bags To Juttis In Every Colour: Here's What You Need To Score At Dastkar

If you haven’t heard already, Dastkar is back in town! We couldn’t help ourselves but go to the Manpho Convention Centre and get in on the action last weekend. Much like its precedents, this edition of Dastkar also turned out to be a treasure trove of handicrafts from all over the country. Here’s a bunch of cool stuff we spotted at some of our favourite stalls at the exhibition this time round, and by no means is this an exhaustive list.

From neutral browns and beiges to eye-popping pinks and blues in many different styles and sizes, the array of leather bags in this stall was enough to make any bag lover swoon. They even had a whole table dedicated to pretty leather bound notebooks, that came in many sizes and colours too. Some were even complete with metallic clasps that gave it a charming old-school look.

Stall: Leather Vyavsai Kalyan Sansthan, from Rajasthan

Price: INR 500 and upwards

Brought down all the way from the coast of West Bengal, this stall is dealing with a host of products made from sea shells. From bangles to bowls, and even sea shell soap dispensers, take your pick from the variety of items with that distinct pearly shine. We’re especially loving their lockets and pendants and the intricate detailing on them.

Stall: Joy Gopal Maity, from West Bengal

Price: INR 250 and upwards

Juttis are a must have in everyone’s shoe collection. Get your hands on a versatile and stylish pair of juttis that have been crafted and brought down all the way from Haryana  From traditional ones to the more fun and flirty styles and colours, there’s a pair of juttis here for everyone.

Stall: Dhalia Jutti’s, from Haryana

Price: INR 600 and upwards

Jugs, bowls, pots and mugs, replace all of your crockery with the lovely ceramic pieces up for grabs here. It a range of colours and sizes, all of which are microwavable and can be popped in the oven as well, pick up some goodies from the wide collection here. We couldn’t help but buy a set of six dessert bowls that came at an easy INR 180 for the set. They even had ceramic soap dispensers, tissue holders and soap dishes here. Although the stall didn’t have a banner when we were there, it’s impossible to miss as it’s located in the centre of the mela.

Stall: Maya Industries, from Karnataka

Price: INR 100 and upwards

Apart from giving us delicious fruit, banana trees also give us a sturdy rope-like fibre that has been creatively transformed into lovely accessories and decor items by this Karnataka-based stall. From cushion covers and lamps to bags, baskets and even floor mats, get your hands on these rustic pieces that are sure to stand out.

Stall: Gramya, from Karnataka

Price: INR 650 and upwards

One look at this stall and you’ll wish that you had taken your grandmother’s attempt to teach you how to crochet a bit more seriously. From brightly coloured dream catchers and hair clips to pretty necklaces made up of little crochet flowers and birdies, this stall puts a quirky twist on the age-old weave. Add these trinkets to your own collection or gift them to a good friend, as these make for lovely presents.

Stall: Samoolam, from Delhi

Price: INR 100 and upwards

Little glass piggies, glass penguins to even tiny glass bumble bees, this stall is all about intricate glasswork with a huge dose of cute. They even have an impressive range of glass jewellery — from coloured glass jhumkas to thread necklaces with glass pendants. Although most of their stuff is in coloured glass, they have some pieces in clear glass as well.

Stall: Taj Glass Handicrafts, from Uttar Pradesh

Price: INR 200 and upwards

Do your bit for the planet by buying a quirky recycled bag from this stall. Made from plastic bags, these bags are reducing the amount of trash in our landfills and providing employment to the women of rural Maharashtra. What’s more, add a fun and functional bag to your collection. They even have a range made from old chips packets and candy wrappers that have a shiny touch to them for all those who like a bit of shimmer.

Stall: Aarohana, from Maharashtra

Price: INR 600 and upwards

Taking us straight back to our childhood summers of open fields and kite flying, this stall displays pretty paper kites and other paper decor accessories. From your old-school kites to ones in the shape of fishes, these are a nostalgia trip in itself. Although they come with spools of thread attached so you can fly them, these delicate pieces are more suitable as decor

Stall: Shavez Mian, from Uttar Pradesh

Price: INR 1,500 and upwards

Although this stall also sells necklaces, their pretty bangles are what are grabbing our attention. In a range of colours from turquoise to bright red, and some multicoloured options as well, these bangles with tiny beaded flowers on them are sure to look lovely on every wrist.

Stall: Aagaz, from Uttar Pradesh

Price: INR 60 for a pair