While the whole world advocates thinking and doing things outside the box, we often feel more comfortable inside one. Not literally, but we've often tried limiting our freedom sometimes and the result has been surprisingly pleasant.
We tried the same theory at the Winter Mela at Dastkar, wondering if we could find similar success, since it is a fair consisting mostly of winter wear. So we went with a budget of INR 500 per stall, determined to find awesome. How do you think we did?
Woollen Stuffed Owls
The cutest pair of stuffed doll owls, you can place them on your study or your dresser and they'll make your surroundings look cowy, cute and warm. They come in just one colour for now, but look adorable regardless.
By running a handicraft programme with the women in Spiti, Shen - A Snow Leopard Enterprise runs a conservation programme for Snow leopards. Do check these guys out.
Where: Stall No. 11
Price: INR 190
Cane Clutches
Eastend Women & Child Development Organisation, through their community building and self help groups make these fabulous cane clutches and they look gorgeous.
They're different, easy to carry and very much within budget. Go have a look.
Where: Stall No. 47
Price: INR 200 - INR 300
Saffron Body Butter And Zaffrani Kahwa
Kashmir-based Saklain's Coterie has lined up pyramids of jars of body butters, face creams, scrubs, toners, and what not. If you're looking beyond skincare, they've got Kashmiri Kahwa and packs of dehydrated blackcurrant too.
Where: Stall No. 12
Price: INR 350 {each}
Homegrown Essential Oils
We've tried plenty of essential oils to be able to tell you we haven't come across any brand that does them close to its original source as these guys do. While the prices of these start at INR 250 per bottle {for eucalyptus}, they can go up to a whopping INR 1,800, depending on which fragrance you pick out.
Ask these guys to explain the extraction process of these oils; it's truly fascinating.
Where: Stall No. 15
Price: Starting at INR 250
Kashmiri Cushion Covers
We've seen plenty of Kashmiri artwork but this stall had such beautiful colours and patterns, we happily stopped in our tracks and stared in admiration. Headed by Jahangir Ahmed Bhat, this stall had the most beautiful cushion covers, pouches, bags, rugs, and curtains.
Best part? They all are rather reasonably priced for the beauties they are.
Where: Stall No. 97
Price: INR 250 each
Woollen Socks And Mufflers
Multi-coloured seamlessly woven beautiful woollen socks and mufflers brought to you by Mahila Umang, a community development initiative in Himachal Pradesh. Hand woven and beautiful to look at they're seriously light on the pocket and very useful! Check them out for sure.
Where: Stall No. 26
Price: INR 350 {socks} and INR 450 {mufflers}
Seeds And Dehydrated Fruits
If you're obsessed with organic and health food like we are, Little Green Yard is going to be your mini paradise. We say pick up a few packets of melon, pumpkin, and flax seeds, plus some dehydrated fruits like plums and amla and add them to your morning cereal or better yet, make your own granola.
Where: Stall No. 12
Price: INR 60 - INR 330
Leather Wallets
Sasha works with and supports artisans and craft communities to bring authentic hand crafted products to the nearest market, from West Bengal mostly. Their colourful leather wallets from Shantinektan are a good fit for the budget and they look very trendy and different.
Where: Stall No. 44
Price: INR 290 - INR 450
Patchwork Bags And Torans
Check out this Dehradun-based brand called Purkal that trains women in patchwork, applique work, and embroidery to make the cutest bags. They've got pretty buntings to decorate your room too, which we found out is locally known as toran.
Where: Stall No. 48
Price: INR 470 - INR 500
#LBBTip
Definitely try out the food stalls at Dastkar Winter Bazaar! They're delectable and are served fresh and piping hot, made by home chefs. We'll recommend the dal puri-aloo dum at the Bihari food stall. Don't forget to ask them for their home made green tangy chutney!
When: Dec 15 – 26
Where: Nature Bazaar, Kisaan Haat
Photos and recommendation by Ipsita Nayak and Sunaina Mullick/LBB