Artisanal expedition: Delving into Karigar Marketplace
Karigar Bazaar in Bengaluru: A Celebration of Indian Artisanal Crafts and Tea
From August 9 to 17, the Jayamahal Palace Hotel in Bengaluru will play host to the Karigar Bazaar, a large-scale craft festival showcasing traditional Indian handmade heritage[1][2]. This event, open from 11 am to 8 pm, brings together over 140 artisans from 26 Indian states and union territories, as well as international participation from Afghanistan[1].
The bazaar transforms the venue into a living museum of crafts such as bhujodi weaving, Mirzapur rugmaking, lac bangle crafting, wire art, tassel work, wood carving, and kavad storytelling. It also offers hands-on workshops open to all ages, including block printing, pouch painting, mandala coaster creation, diary binding, and more[1].
Renowned artisans associated with the Karigar Bazaar include Javed A Luhar, a copper bell-maker from Kutch known for his expert metal craft, and Mamani and Munshi Chitrakar, folk painters from West Bengal's Naya village celebrated for their traditional storytelling art[1].
Aamir Khan, the founder of Karigar Bazaar, states that they didn't just select for skill, but also for story. The event aims to blend veteran artisans with emerging talent, tribal forms with contemporary design, and is intentional in its curation and inclusive in spirit[2].
In addition to the craft demonstrations and workshops, daily live performances at the bazaar include Kabir bhajans by Ravi Das Gangapari, Rajasthani string puppetry by Vinod Bhatt, the haunting desert melodies of Gajee Khan, the Manganiyar Ensemble, and Adhyaay's Bengaluru-style desi rap[1]. The event also features a sprawling regional food court serving a variety of food items, including laddus, pickles, dosas, and fusion chats[2].
Entry to the event is usually nominal, promoting accessibility to this celebration of Indian artisanal traditions[2]. All workshops are beginner-friendly, open to all ages, and available on select dates.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Indian craft and culture at the Karigar Bazaar in Bengaluru.
[1] Karigar Bazaar. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.karigarbazaar.com/
[2] Times of India. (2023, July 24). Karigar Bazaar: A celebration of Indian crafts returns to Bengaluru. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/karigar-bazaar-a-celebration-of-indian-crafts-returns-to-bengaluru/articleshow/97774620.cms
- The Karigar Bazaar in Bengaluru offers a unique blend of fashion, lifestyle, and cultural travel, featuring traditional Indian handmade crafts, daily live performances, and a regional food court.
- The upcoming event at the Jayamahal Palace Hotel includes hands-on workshops for various art forms, such as block printing, pouch painting, and mandala coaster creation, making it an exciting food-and-drink and home-and-garden experience as well.
- As part of the Karigar Bazaar, renowned artisans such as Javed A Luhar, Mamani and Munshi Chitrakar, and Aamir Khan are showcasing their skills in bhujodi weaving, copper bell-making, folk painting, and more, offering a fascinating fusion of tribal forms with contemporary design.
- Whether you're interested in sourcing unique tea blends, learning new crafting techniques, or savoring delectable regional cuisine, the Karigar Bazaar is more than just an events destination – it's a journey through India's rich history, fashion, and cultural heritage.
