Not that you need an excuse to support local artisans and homegrown, but, Dastkar - Festival Of Lights is going to give you one anyway. And while we know you'll be stocking up on diyas, lamps and trinkets, we've picked out a few stalls that you must visit! If you have any must-see recommendations, please leave us a comment and we'll add that in too!
When: Until October 28, 11am to 7pm
A collection of weavers who make old-school handloom much more modern and wearable in current times, Karustuti is all about textiles, fairtrade, artisans and making handloom products more accessible Head here for cotton, metallic, and linen handloom sarees. We are gaga over their muslin jamdani in pastels, prints and dark solids! Nothing like original Dhakai Jamani straight from Kolkata.
Miri, started by Minnie and Rinnie Dissoria, was started almost as a tribute to their father who made bridal wear. The sisters, twins, started their new, vegan, cruelty-free and hand-embroidery business after he passed on. Head here not only for the lovely legacy, but also to snap up bags of all kinds. We spotted cross-body box bags, currently trending round ones as well as laptop bags with some hand-painted embellishments on them. What we really like about this brand is that while the bags look quite sleek, they are rather sturdy and spacious too. Practicality for the win!
A known face at most Dastkar events across the country, Shiva Vishwakarma has been bringing Bastari iron crafts to them all. A district in Chattisgarh known for iron crafts, find indoor and outdoor decor here. You will find very traditional Bastari designs here, as the tribal communities in the region are the true torchbearers of this age-old craft. Shop here if you are looking for unique wall decor that is rustic too. What is great about these pieces - including wall plaques, candle holders, key holders and jaalis, is that they are hardy, and since mostly black, they are striking and fit into even the most modern homes as they are minimalist. Horses, birds, tribal masks and human figures are stand-out features on most of the products.
Perfect for a traditional home, or one you’re trying to give an artsy edge to, leather lamps that are reminiscent of the art that came from Lepakshi. Leather puppets are the hallmark of Andhra Pradesh art and crafts. This form of craft is inextricably linked to the state’s traditional folk and cultural expression, called Leather puppetry. Also known as tollubommalu or tollubommalatta, this form of shadow-puppet theatre is popular in several regions of Andhra Pradesh. Tollu means leather in Telugu and bommalu means dolls. This form of art is believed to have originated in 200 BC under the rule of the Satvahana dynasty.
Blue pottery is TOTALLY the rage right now. In fact, the glaze on blue ceramics has been listed as an Autumn 2021 trend, and you need to get the lovely merch from Madan Lal and his family. Apparently, he is the 7th generation in a line of talented Delhi Blue Pottery makers. We know for sure they’ve been at Dastkar since the last three decades too - a testament to their products! Walk away with jugs, mugs, vases, carafes, figurines and even little bowls to set up your entire dinner table with them.
Winter is coming, and no better time to invest in gorgeous, cosy shawls, stoles and scarves. And we all know that Kashmir has the absolute best in the country (we’d even argue the world!). You have to check out Elysian Textiles which has a whole lot of them in traditional, quirky prints. Or plain if you like. They work only with Pashmia wool, sourced from Ladkah according to the Dastkar page. Each of the shawls takes years to complete so you know you’re really investing in something fabulous. Plus, supporting local artisans for their skills is always a good way to go.
You cannot have enough mojris and juttis. So, pick up colourful and comfy ones from here. They have dobka, mukesh work and block-printed options that are ideal for the upcoming festive season. Check out the ones with beads and sequins on them for something a bit more flashy.
We at LBB, are big fans of Eki Beki, an NGO which tries to promote traditional crafts in modern forms. Find earrings, other accessories and stationery here. We specifically love the contemporary earrings that are made handmade by artisans in remote villages across India. Copper with enamel finish plates, tea light holders, Gond art platters, copper earrings (check out the prism design and the heart with rings pair!) and retro-style pendants in yellow, blue, white in geometrics shapes.
On the health brigade? Then hit up Adri Naturals for their edible or therapy oils. These are all natural, organic and ethi8cally sourced seed that are then cold pressed. They also have lovely lip butters, face masks, bath gels and hair oil. Men, check out the beard oils here. Since it's Diwali, get dried fruits here too.
Apparently associated with Dastkar for over seven years, Fida Hussain works with expert artisans from Kashmir. Pick up boxes from this dying art form to store everything from trinkets, jewellery treys and even glasses.
Please wear your mask at all times. Do not bargain with the artisans; this is their hard work!