6th Edition of ‘VASTRA’ to begin from 21st September in Rajasthan’s Capital- Jaipur

Navratris begin and you find ample reasons to go out and shop for dazzling, attractive stuff for yourself and home! Several carnivals and fairs are organized to spoil you with choices and new trends. So, get ready for another annual bonanza of shopping and fun! The 6^th Edition of the 4-day international textile and apparel fair, ‘VASTRA’ will be organized in Jaipur from 21 to 24 September at Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in Sitapura. It will be inaugurated by the Union Textiles & Information and Broadcasting Minister, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani and Rajasthan Chief Minister, Smt. Vasundhara Raje on 21 September, 2017.

The exposition is an all-encompassing trade fair and conference on Textiles and Apparel which will present a fusion of the finest and the latest in textile products – from fiber to fashion, services and technology.

The mega textile fair is jointly organized by RIICO and FICCI. ‘VASTRA’ has created a niche for itself in textile and apparel industry since its inception in 2012. The event is also supported by the Government of Rajasthan.

It is expected that over 250 exhibitors from 13 states will showcase their products over net exhibition space of 3600 sqm at JECC. Furthermore, around 300 overseas buyers from more than 50 countries and 200 representatives from around 100 Indian buying houses/agents are slated to attend the event. Karnataka is participating as Partner State and Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttrakhand and West Bengal are participating as supporting States in the event.

The first three days of the event will be devoted exclusively to B2B and the last day will be open for B2C, involving retail sales. General public is invited to visit the fair on 24^thSeptember to shop for their favourite products.

This year VASTRA will have few new features like: Roundtable Conference on “Making Rajasthan a Garment Hub”; Jaipur Designers Festival and Sari Workshop. The exposition will continue to have Business Fashion Shows, Design Display Wall for budding designers, Rajasthan Pavilion which will showcase arts and crafts of Rajasthan.

Jaipur Rugs Promote Rural Artisans At Arcasia Jaipur

A few kilometers away from the hustle bustle of the city, in a far away village, lies a community of artisans who use their gifted hands in making India’s finest hand knotted carpets and a company that bridges the gap between these local artisans and global community – Jaipur Rugs.

One of India’s largest manufacturers of hand knotted rugs, Jaipur Rugs has this time partnered with Arcasia – a forum that has gathered experts and professionals from the architectural industry, to discuss potential methods that could help incorporate green elements and green technology in the project design and construction process progresses. The 3 day event started on 23rd May and Jaipur Beat took the opportunity to meet the artisans at Jaipur Marriott.

The most interesting part of the forum was a setup that offered a live experience of watching the extremely elaborate process of carpet weaving by the rural artisans. Out of the 86 processes that are carried out in this highly skilled art, 5 processes were on display and the feeling was nothing short of bewilderment and admiration to watch 5 women happily carrying out the 5 processes of map making, spinning, Rafu, hand knotting and embossing.

“The idea is to bridge the gap between grass root heroes and global delegates.” said Kavita Chaudhary, the Design Director at Jaipur Rugs. Having been the only Indian company to have won an accolade in the esteemed Carpet Design Awards 2017 and the only Indian company to consecutively win 3 awards at German Design Award, Jaipur Rugs aims at uplifting the grass root level weavers and introduce them to the end consumers and global architects at this event.

Headquartered in Jaipur, the 1978 establishment – Jaipur Rugs sells hand-knotted rugs via retail stores and online portal – http://www.jaipurrugsco.com/. Mr. NK Chaudhary, the founder of Jaipur Rugs, came up with this idea after some conflicts of interest with his family which now makes for an interesting background story.

“I get the maximum of my design ideas while travelling. The best ideas come to you when you are in a relaxed mood and the windows and doors of your mind are open.” said Kavita Chaudhary (D/o NK Chaudhary). When asked about her inspirations for such unique and pleasant designs, she said ‘I love Europe. It’s not just the architecture, but the moods of the spaces used in the interiors that in turn inspire the moods of our carpets”.

Each of the women carrying out their tasks earnestly in the colorful setup at the event was a treat to watch. Not only this, every weaver had a lesson to share and story to tell.

Jaipur Rugs’ operations span across 20+ branches, 6 states and 600 villages in India with distribution to over 40 countries with its independent base of over 40,000 artisans. The company also has a large distribution base in Atlanta, United States.Stall of Jaipur Rugs at Arcasia, jaipur.

 

Dastkar Ranthambhore celebrates 25 years of Empowerment

25 years ago in the village of Sawai Madhopur, a small organization with great mission of sustainable livelihood of those villagers affected by the formation of Ranthambhore National Park, started a handicraft workshop in a small room in Sherpur village near the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. They addressed the issues faced by the people from villages, who used to survive on tiger poaching and later affected by the formation of the National Park. With a handful of women and a dream, Dastkar Ranthambhore set forth to conquer adversity and became a self reliant enterprise in 2004.

Dastkar Ranthambhore now work in 8 villages, with around 500 artisans who create quality handicraft products like hand bags, cushions, quilts, rugs, bed sheets, toys and more that can be found in stores and homes across the world.

The group with such wonderful initiative is now in its 25^th year and invites every art and craft as well as wildlife lovers to be a part of their Journey further. Dastkar Ranthambhore is celebrating their Journey of 25 years from 21st October 2015 to 24th October 2015.

Some of the planned events during the 4 days’ celebration include
1. Workshops guided by our artisans in block printing, tie dye, pottery, Mud mirror work, recycling and painting
2. Food court that serves local cuisine.
3. Live performances by local artistes – Drama, Music and Dance,
4. Craft Bazaar from the 8 villages.
 

Event Details are a follows
Melo Ranthanbhore
Silver Jubilee Celebration of Dastkar Ranthambhore
Dates: October 21^st to 24^th 2015
Timings: 11.00 am to 06.00 pm
Venue: Dastkari Kendra, Opposite Kutalpura Village, Sawai Madhopur District, Rajasthan, India

Re- living 64 Years Of Rajasthan On Rajasthan Diwas Today

As Rajasthan celebrates its 65^th Rajasthan Diwas this year on 30thMarch 2015, we tell you the magnificent journey of 64 years. What makes Rajasthan so unique is its colorful culture, rich heritage and one of the tourist hubs. The state dazzles in its beauty and every glimpse is captures with due importance.

1. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Rajasthan is a state which is known for the richness of traditions, and diverse culture. All the festivals are celebrated with joy, enthusiasm, zeal and zest. Some major fairs and festivals are Pushkar Fair, Jaisalmer Desert Fair, Gangaur, Teej, Marwar Festival, Holi and the list goes on.

2. CUISINES

One cannot leave Rajasthan without tasting its food which is known for it spiciness and rich flavor. Rajasthani cuisine is mainly vegetarian but can be put together in a variety of mouthwatering dishes. A sweet is a must which is complemented with every meal. Some relishing dishes are dal bati churma which is a well known delicacy all around the world. Every region in Rajasthan has its own speciality and taste.

3. FORTS, MONUMENTS & PALACES

Rajasthan is well known for its historically rich ‘Forts and Palaces’. The forts of Rajasthan tell stories about the kings and queens and their journey during their period of reign. Each and every fort and fortress has a unique and unparalleled story behind it. Some monuments of Rajasthan are well recognized due to recognition by UNESCO, namely – Jantar Mantar (Jaipur), Kumbhalgarh fort, etc.

4. FOLK MUSIC AND DANCES

The folk music and dance are important part of our culture and thus performed at every occasion, may it be a birth of a new born, anniversary or a welcome to the new season. The famous dance form of Rajasthan is Kalbelia, Terahtaali, Ghoomar, Chari, etc. Though dance is not the only art, music is considered important in the state of Rajasthan.

5. WILDLIFE

Rajasthan is an abode to a number of species. It is known for diverse flora and fauna. Rajasthan lying in a desert region and having a varied topography is a home to various species. The Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve are well known wildlife sanctuaries in this dry- arid region.

6. HAND BLOCK PRINTING & BLUE POTTERY

Rajasthan is famous for its art and craft. Hand block printing, especially Bagru pint with floral and leaf motifs are seen and worn by a large number. Another recognized traditional art is of blue pottery, which has its origins from Rajasthan in India. In it the color blue and its shades are kept as the base color. Lehariya is also a style which originated from the land of Rajasthan.

7. MUSEUMS

Museums are built to showcase the in-depth history of a place and to know about its culture. The museums of Rajasthan throw limelight to its rich heritage and varied, and diversified culture. Rajasthan is known worldwide for 1^st silver museum in the world, situated in Udaipur. Not to forget the oldest museum of the state- Albert Hall, Jaipur is known for its rare articles. The other museums include- Government Museum in Jodhpur & Ajmer, Maharaja Sawai Mansingh Museum in Jaipur, etc.

Shilpgram Fair, Udaipur

 

One of the biggest craft and handicraft fair of Rajasthan- Shilpgram Fair is held annually in the city of Udaipur. The festival is organized every year to promote art and craft of Rajasthan. Since, Rajasthan has always been lauded for its handicrafts and artwork; this fair is a perfect destination to explore a colorful world of the hand woven clothes, embroideries, mirror works and handicrafts. The hand woven clothes and camel leather items grab the major attention of visitors in this fair.

Started from December 21 till December 30, 2014, the festival is a living ethnographic museum depicting the enormous diversities in craft, art & culture between various Indian states. While you would shop and explore handicrafts, various musicians and dancers will entertain you with their respective arts. Shilpgram Crafts Mela of Rajasthan is majorly a sincere effort to give recognition to the local arts of remote villages of Rajasthan. Your visit to this fair of Rajasthan would definitely allure you towards the ethnic rural arts and crafts of Rajasthan.

 

An attraction, no less of the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex of Rajasthan, is the open air Amphitheatre with a seating capacity of approximately 8000. Besides the major theatre festivals which the Centre holds here, it is hoped that this facility would motivate the local community as well as outside visitors to take a keener interest in theatre and the traditional folk performing arts.

Do visit the fair if you are in or around Udaipur or planning a visit soon!

Exhibition on Rajasthani culture in Delhi today

An exhibition on Rajasthan Culture is being organized in Delhi on November 21 and 22 at Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts in Delhi. It will feature four key areas that the state is famous for—arts and crafts, travel and tourism, gems and jewellery, and garments and textile.

Being organized by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust and spearheaded by Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur, it will showcase handpicked textile items, garments and fashion featuring the age-old techniques of leheriya, gota patti and tie-and-dye, complemented by the traditional kundan-polki jewellery and contemporary accessories.

The exhibition, which was inaugurated by Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje today morning, will also display selected handicrafts, objects d’art, hand-tufted carpets, blue pottery, paintings and lacquer products.

 

Welcome to Dastkar Ranthambore

 

When the Ranthambore National Park was created, many communities of the Sawai Madhopur area of Rajasthan, who were living on forest produce lost their source of income. They only option they were left with was to look for an alternative source of income. It was then the Ranthambore Foundation approached Dastkar to initiate income generation activities among women of that area. They identified the local craft traditions of that area and laid the foundation stone of an organization known as “Dastkar Ranthambore”. An initiative to create jobs, skills and opportunities around the economy of wildlife was proved booming as around 300 women artisans from the villages around the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve presently work here and generate their livelihood.

Women Artisans at Dastakar Ranthambore

The organization produces a range of fashion accessories, such as scarves, kurtas, pouches, bags and home furnishings like bed-sheets, table linen, cushions, quilts etc using the skills of block printing, hand embroidery and patch work, which are highly appreciated in the international and domestic markets. Distinctive tiger motifs and images of animals, birds and trees on products reflect the concern of local communities for the nature and its endangered tiger specie.

Dastkar Ranthambore Retail Store
Dastkar Ranthambore Retail Store

When you visit Ranthambore next time, don’t forget to explore the Dastkar Ranthambore and take home back beautiful souvenirs from there.

Contact Details:

Dastkar Ranthambhore

Dastkari Kendra
Post – Sherpur-Khilchipur
Sawai Madhopur-322001 Rajasthan (India)
Tel: +91 7462 252051

Silk and Cotton Fab Exhibition

Join in to be a part of India’s Biggest Silk and Cotton fab exhibition cum sale at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur that brings to you the best and latest in these industries till September 08, 2013. Silk and Cotton are two fabrics that are an absolute delight for any woman!

Be there and you will get to check out a special summer collection of ethnic & traditional silk, cotton handloom and handicraft products made by the master artisans and weavers from across India. Choose from a range of Madhubani Print saree, Kashmiri Silk Saree, Bhagalpur Saree to Gents Khadi Cotton and Silk Material et al.

The Handloom on display are Block printed material from Rajasthan, Chicken Fabric, Luckhnow Chicken, Chanderi, Maheshwari, Bhagalpur silk & Exclusive Duppta from Bihar, Block Printed dress materials of Gujarat, Handloom Kurtas from Chennai, South Handloom from Tamilnadu and there are so many other  things like handicraft material, jewellery, pottery and terracotta to see and buy.

If this sounds interesting to you, then go for it! This is a not to be missed exhibition.

Shilpgram Fair

Literally meaning a “Craftsmen’s Village” is a living ethnographic museum depicting the enormous diversities in craft, art & culture between various Indian states, but the exquisite terracotta work mainly in dark red and dark brown sand material along with the wooden carvings are the forte of this ethnic village . Shilpgram festival of Rajasthan comprises 26 huts set in 70 acres of natural surroundings at the foot of the Aravali Hills of Rajasthan in India. A colorful craft festival of Rajasthan during winter seasons to the whole set up induces vitality and zeal.

The Festival is held annually in the west of the city of Udaipur of Rajasthan in India. This year the Shilpgram Fair would fall from December 21 to 30, 2012 at the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex, Rani Road-Udaipur

Shilpgram Crafts Mela of Rajasthan aids in encouraging the urban potters, visual artists and designers too. If you are interested in learning the art and craft of Rajasthan, you can join the workshops that are structured to demonstrate the method. Here, one can have a glimpse of the life style of weavers and local artists that is portrayed through pictures in the stalls.

While you would shop and explore handicrafts, various musicians and dancers will entertain you with their respective arts. Shilpgram Crafts Mela of Rajasthan is certainly a sincere effort to give recognition to the local arts of remote villages of Rajasthan. Your visit to this fair of Rajasthan would definitely allure you towards the ethnic rural arts and crafts of Rajasthan.

An attraction, no less of the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex of Rajasthan, is the open air Amphitheatre with a seating capacity of approximately 8000.

Gandhi Shilp Bazaar at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur

In order to provide marketing opportunity to handicrafts artisans in all parts of the country on continuous basis series of Craft Bazars under the name of “Gandhi Shilp Bazar” has been launched from 11.2.2006 under which at least one Craft Bazar is in operation in one or the other part of the country every single day of the year.

The Gandhi Shilp Bazaar starting from January06, 2012 at Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur will have more than 150 weavers and small artisans from all over India who would be displaying their products in equipped stall such as Potteries / Ceramics, Wood Carved Furniture, Zari / Zardozi, Chicken, Tepchi / Appliqué, Brass Artwares, Cane Utiliti & Furniture’s, Banarasi Silk Material & Sarees, Metal Artwares, Moonz, Chinhat Pottery, Coat & Pant Tweed / Jacket, Leather Animals Bags, Purses / Belt / Furniture, Aluminum-Bronze furniture, Marble Stones from Agra, Sazar stones from Banda, Musical Instrument from Pilibhit, Rajasthani Handicraft / Gujrati Handicraft / Kashmiri and all other States, Readymade Garments from Delhi, Durries / druggist, Bedsheets pillow cover and cushion covers, table covers, Quilt Blanket and most of other various exquisite handicrafts and gift items.  A different category of art work from waste paper will be the special attraction at Gandhi Shilp Bazaar.

Following are the dates for Gandhi Shilp Bazar at other cities of Rajasthan in the year 2012

Udaipur: February21 to 29, 2012

Kota :     March21 to 31, 2012