Highlights of Craftकथा Chapter II

1. Craft झरोखा-A Display of Handicrafts and Handlooms made from Natural Grasses & Plant-based Fibre

Date: 17th -18th February 2025 Time: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
Venue: Display Room, Second Floor, Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhawan

Nature weaves its own rhythm, as grasses sway with the wind and adorn the face of the Earth. In the hands of artisans, these strands are transformed into products of exquisite beauty. Ropes, baskets, mats—each piece carries the spirit of the rich artistry and legacy. Along with the durability and sustainable quotient, our cultural spaces reflect a unique earthy grandeur in the presence of these Fabrics and Handicrafts.

2. Shilpचर्चा – Rich Conversations and Interactions in the Space of Natural Fibre Traditions

● Roundtable: A Roundtable of Experts, Practitioners, designers and Academicians on the topic “Natural Fibre Tradition and Climate Change”

Date: 18th February
Time: 11.00-1.00 pm
Venue: Seminar hall, Third Floor, Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhawan

In a world grappling with climate change, Grasses and Natural Fibre are gaining major feats in the eco-conscious markets. From reducing waste to offering eco-friendly alternatives to objects of day-to-day functionality, these products are part of the solution to a global challenge.

Join us here as a diverse panel of experts delve into how Natural Craft traditions and sustainable grasses are not only preserving the environment but also paving the way for innovative, climate-resilient solutions with the potential to propel the economy of our country.

● Cluster interaction with Master Artisan/Cluster Representatives/Entrepreneurs

Date: 17th – 18th February 2025
Time: Day 1 – 11: 00 am – 6: 30 pm, Day 2 – 2:00 -6:30 pm
Venue: Seminar Hall, Third Floor, Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhawan

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”—but can its depth truly be grasped in a fleeting glance?

In cluster interaction enter into a reverie with the Master Artisans/Cluster Representatives/Entrepreneurs as they lead you through the world of their Craft. Enter our serene sanctuary, where stories unfold and leave you with a newfound appreciation – not just for the products, but also for the process that breathes life into it.

● Session on Natural Dyeing

Date: 17th February 2025
Time: 3:45 – 5:30 pm
Venue: Seminar Hall, Third Floor, Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhawan

Nature provides us with a rich palette of colors drawn from flowers, leaves, roots, and minerals. Join us in the session and hear experts speak on how these colors are derived and processed to accentuate the look and feel of Natural Grasses and Plant-based Fibre.

1. KadamHaat
Handicrafts – Sitalpati, Sikki (Bihar), Wicker, and Madurkathi

With two decades of experience and a network of over 10,000 artisans across rural West Bengal,  Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Kashmir, KadamHaat is committed to bringing natural fibre-based home décor, dining, and lifestyle products to 10 million homes.

Rooted in sustainability, each product is crafted from indigenous grasses grown across India, ensuring a positive impact on the environment. At KadamHaat, every handmade creation embodies exceptional quality, exquisite artistry, and impeccable functionality.

Driven by a mission to empower one million artisans, they provide knowledge of contemporary designs and access to global product development standards. Recognized by Fair Trade Forum, Craftmark, and Good Market, KadamHaat is dedicated to ethical and responsible craftsmanship, preserving traditions while embracing innovation.

2. Nav TRINJAN
Handloom – Organic Cotton

Established in 2017, Nav TRINJAN is an initiative of Kheti Virasat Mission (KVM), Punjab, which has been working since 2005 to promote ecological sustainability and rural livelihoods. The initiative focuses on hand spinning, hand weaving, embroidery, knitting, basket weaving, and rug weaving.

Rooted in the Punjabi tradition of Trinjan—a practice where women gathered for collective learning and experience sharing —Nav TRINJAN continues this legacy by fostering skill development and artisan empowerment. Under KVM’s guidance, farmers are encouraged to cultivate Desi Kaapas (indigenous cotton), which is then procured, Handspun on charkhas, and Handwoven by rural artisans.

Today, Nav TRINJAN supports a growing community of 350 artisans, dyers, and weavers promoting sustainable livelihoods.

3. Samuday Crafts
Handicrafts – Wheat Grass and Moonj

Today, Nav TRINJAN supports a growing community of 350 artisans, dyers, and weavers promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Samuday Crafts was established in 2020 as the marketing arm of Samuday Shakti Sewa Samiti, with the aim to enhance livelihood opportunities and craft traditions for over 500 artisans. Operating across the Kachauna, Kothawa, Bahender, and Ahirori blocks of the Hardoi district, the initiative is built on the vision of collective effort and shared growth—reflected in its name Samuday.

Specializing in handcrafted products made from Moonj grass, Wheat grass, and naturally upcycled materials, Samuday Crafts supports economic empowerment while preserving traditional sustainable practices.

4. Mouluchand Artisan Group
Handicrafts – Sabai

Located in Baripada, Mayurbhanj district, the Mouluchand Artisan Group is a women-led collective dedicated to the craft of Sabai Grass weaving. Established by a group of trained tribal women, the initiative has expanded into a 200-member artisanal community, fostering skill development and economic empowerment.

Specializing in handcrafted bags, boxes, mats, and vases, the collective upholds traditional craftsmanship while promoting sustainable practices.

5. Punarjeevana Trust
Handloom – Bamboo Fabric

Founded by Dr. Hemlatha Jain as a revival initiative in 2014, Punarjeevana Trust has evolved into a sustainable model dedicated to preserving both crafts and artisans. The organization specializes in handloom weaving, utilizing sustainable fibers, natural dyes, and intricate surface ornamentation to uphold cultural heritage while minimizing environmental impact.

With a mission to restore Karnataka’s languishing handloom traditions, Punarjeevana Trust has successfully revived over 35 weaves, including the 250-year-old Patteda Anchu, Sudha Kadi with its symbolic parallel border lines, Gomi Teni, a 12th-century weave unseen for four decades, and the Hubli saree, traditionally worn by rural married women. The Trust is also committed to reviving Kauwdi art and the lost motifs of Kasuti embroidery.

Furthering its sustainability efforts, Punarjeevana Trust  works closely with tribal artisans to reintroduce indigenous natural dyeing techniques, reducing waste and promoting environmentally responsible craftsmanship. Through these initiatives, the Trust ensures that Karnataka’s textile legacy continues to thrive for future generations.

6. Khamir
Handloom – Kala Cotton

Khamir is committed to strengthening and promoting the rich artisanal traditions of Kachchh, Gujarat. An acronym for Kachchh Heritage, Art, Music, Information, and Resources, the name Khamir also signifies ‘intrinsic pride’ in Kachchhi and ‘fermentation’ in Hindi, reflecting continuous evolution in craftsmanship and ideas.

Established in 2005 as a joint initiative of Kachchh Nav Nirman Abhiyan and the Nehru Foundation for Development, Khamir operates as a registered society and trust, providing a platform for traditional handicrafts, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihoods.

Since 2008, Khamir has actively promoted Kala cotton, while supporting artisans and workers across its value chain. Through its initiatives, Khamir continues to enhance the cultural and economic significance of crafts.

7. NESHILP, a society promoted by Nedfi
Handicrafts – Water Hyacinth, Nettle Fibre, Cardamom Fibre and Banana Craft

Established in 2017, the North East Society for Handicraft Incubation and Livelihood Promotion (NE-SHILP) a society promoted by NEDFi, is dedicated to uplifting diverse Handloom and Handicrafts from all across eight states of Northeast India.  Its core vision is to empower artisans by providing skill development, market linkages, and holistic support, ensuring the sustainable growth of the region’s rich craft traditions. NEDFi Haat serves as a dedicated platform for promoting and marketing products crafted under NE-SHILP. By fostering innovation in traditional crafts—including Cane, Bamboo, Water Hyacinth, Coconut Silk, Cardamom, and Mima grass—NE-SHILP has positively impacted over 3,000 artisans of the region

8. Graphic Era Hill University
Handloom – Nettle Fabric

Founded in 2011, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, is a private university committed to providing world-class education with a focus on cutting-edge technologies, professional development, critical thinking, and quality research.

The Department of Fashion Design offers a dynamic and creative program that equips students with essential skills and knowledge to thrive in ever evolving fashion industry. With sustainability at its core, the program emphasizes research and innovation.

In line with this vision, the department initiated research on Nettle fabric in 2021, collaborating with 11 artisans in and around Dehradun. By integrating artisans with students, the initiative fosters an ecosystem that nurtures Green fashion designers and Practitioners, bridging traditional craft practices with sustainable innovation.

9. Orrisa Artisans and Weavers Limited
Handicrafts – Sikki and Sabai

Found in 2010, Orrisa Artisans and Weavers Limited is committed to preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich Handloom and Handicraft traditions, with a special emphasis on Odisha Ikat and Sabai Grass Handicrafts. They also work on Natural Fibres like Golden Grass, blending tradition with innovation.

With a community of 3,600 artisans, the organization goes beyond preservation—it redefines artisans as partners in growth, ensuring they are not just beneficiaries but key stakeholders in the growth of the organization strong reflection of which is seen in their name and vision.

10. Dhokra Handicrafts
Handloom – Jute Fibre (Dhokra)

Deeply rooted in a rich generational heritage, Dhokra Handicrafts upholds the traditional artistry of the Rajbanshi community in North Bengal’s Dinajpur district. For centuries, artisans have been dedicated to jute weaving. In 2017, Dhokra Handicrafts was formalized, providing structure and recognition to the work of 100 skilled artisans.

With support from various organizations, the collective has expanded beyond traditional jute weaving, introducing innovative jute-cotton blends to craft a diverse product range catering like rug mats, wall hangings, tote bags, and runners catering to contemporary markets.

11. Ananafit Pvt. Ltd
Handloom – Aloe Vera Fabric, Pineapple Fabric, and Hemp Fabric

Founded in 2018 by a third-generation weaver Mr. C. Sekar from Anakaputhur Village, Ananafit Pvt. Ltd. is dedicated to promoting and marketing eco-friendly textiles while spreading awareness about sustainable clothing.

With a mission to empower 60 women artisans, Ananafit specializes in extracting natural fibers from 25 different plants, including bamboo, banana, hemp, vetiver, lemongrass, sea grass, and sorrel leaves.

Driven by a vision to become the largest producer of natural fibre yarn and clothing, ensuring that its processes remain attuned to nature, minimizing environmental impact. Looking ahead, Ananafit Pvt. Ltd aims to expand fiber extraction to 50 plant varieties.

12. NFDI – NIFT Foundation for Design Innovation
Handloom: Hemp Fabric and Banana Fabric

Established in October 2020, the NIFT Foundation for Design Innovation (NFDI) is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in design, craft, and sustainable textiles.

Through funding, mentorship, incubation, and market access, NFDI supports creative ventures while bridging the gap between traditional crafts and modern markets.

One of its key initiatives includes extensive research on hemp fabric, integrating artisans with the student body to create a collaborative ecosystem that drives sustainability and innovation.