After nearly ten years, 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 will continue till 5 February 2026 at the NIFT Campus, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Tharamani.

The inauguration ceremony was held at 5:00 pm and was graced by eminent classical dancer and guru Ms. Leela Samson, who formally inaugurated 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 bazaar celebrating India’s artisans, traditions, and the enduring relevance of handmade heritage.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Leela Samson shared that it brings her immense joy to see Indian artists creating art with their hands, and that the sight of 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 people of the city to come, experience, and celebrate the richness of India’s living craft traditions.

Curated by Dastkari Haat Samiti, the bazaar brings together master artisans, weavers, painters, and craft communities from across India, presenting a rich and diverse range of traditional arts, crafts, and textiles. From Pattachitra, Pichhwai, Gond, Kalighat, Godna and Madhubani paintings to Dhokra, bamboo and cane crafts, copper bells, pottery, silver filigree, and Channapatna woodwork, the showcase offers visitors a rare opportunity to engage directly with living craft traditions.

The textile section features celebrated handloom and surface traditions including Ajrakh hand block prints, Shibori, Batik, Chikankari, Kantha, Ikat, Chanderi, Maheshwari, and Jamdani, making the bazaar a visual and tactile journey across India’s weaving legacy.

Adding to the immersive experience are Chhau dance performances from West Bengal and traditional Rajasthani cuisine, creating a multi-sensory cultural celebration that goes beyond shopping.

Speaking on the occasion, representatives of Dastkari Haat Samiti shared that the return of the bazaar to Chennai after a decade is deeply meaningful, given the city’s long-standing appreciation for craft, culture, and thoughtful design. The choice of NIFT Chennai as the venue further underscores the connection between tradition, creativity, and contemporary design education.

Open daily from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm, the Dastkari Haat Crafts Bazaar offers Chennai residents and visitors a unique opportunity to slow down, explore, and experience a one-of-a-kind craft extravaganza—where every piece carries a story, and every artisan represents a living legacy.

Event Details

Venue: NIFT Campus, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Tharamani, Chennai
Dates: 30 January – 5 February 2026
Time: 11:30 am – 7:30 pm

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dastkarihaatsamiti

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