Vijayawada to host its first Dastkar Bazaar from February 23 to 29; artisan organisations and entrepreneurs from all over the nation will come together

Over a hundred artisan organisations and entrepreneurs from all over the nation will come together in Vijayawada from February 23 to 29 for the city's inaugural Dastkar Bazaar. Dastkar is a private non-governmental organisation that was founded in 1981 with the goal of assisting traditional Indian handicrafts in regaining their status in the mainstream economy. In collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh Crafts Council, the show will include a variety of products including handloom fabrics, lifestyle accessories, traditional and brass jewellery, metal, wood, ceramics, and home décor.

The exhibition will be held at the Siddhartha Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology on the Polyclinic Road. It will be available to the public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Highlights include the following: indigo block printing, Ajrakh, Bagru, Dabu, linen, silk, khadi, Jamdani, Ikkat, wool, Banarasi, Chanderi, and Maheswari weaving works; mirror work; Ari, Sozni; paper mache; and Lambani needlework, among others. There will also be terracotta, seashell crafts, blue pottery, musical instruments, Tanjore and Gond paintings, studio pottery, wooden graving, and leatherwork available.

On weekends, there will also be paid craft classes and free craft demos. The Gulzar Ahmed Bhatt ensemble has booked routine dance performances from Kashmir on February 23, 24, and 25. There is a ₹30 entry fee.