Dastkar is happening in town at Bangalore until 16th August at the Manpho Convention Center (next to Manyata Tech Park). This post is a riot of colors and an overload of images. So, grab a cup of chai and get ready to spend the next 30 mins immersed in these beautiful handicrafts, beaded jewelry, geometric rugs, block-printed handlooms, handcrafted pottery, silk saris and much more.
Most stalls were the regulars, some were missing, and some were new. All set?
It’ 11:07 p.m. and I’ve just begun to compose the post; not used to staying up late (my signal usually starts going down from 9:00 p.m.) But, it’s a Friday and I had to get the Friday Shopping picks post up which I thought would be a breeze considering I’ve been on it since early evening. Yep..trying to learn some Photoshopping tricks consumed a better part of the three hours I’ve worked on this post. Phew…sometimes the output is so straightforward that the no. of hours don’t justify the effort. I’m happy doing it ; guess that’s what matters in the end, doesn’t it? The theme – Fabrics – was clear in my head ever since I saw the latest Good Home issue. It’s a well crafted, researched and thoughtfully put up issue. I’d been looking around for some bright fabrics to upholster my big cushion so the issue came…
Hello everyone! Hope you all are having a great week. I’m back to the grind today after a 4-day vacation in Goa but refreshed and ready to go. Though the weather was not sunny, it wasn’t bad. While going through the FB archives, I saw an update from Dastkar about their new online partner iTokri and wasted no time in checking it out. Yes, another online site but pleasantly surprised as most brands are the ones that pull you like a magnet to these numerous exhibitions like Dastkar. If you can’t make it to one in person, you can shop for it online. I’m talking of products from brands like Jugaad, Haathi Chaap and a few others from Dastkar that are hugely popular. My favorite picks from the site on first scan are: A tarshi patchwork bag from Jugaad for Rs. 249 Unstitched fabric from Dastkar at Rs.280 for 2 meters…
You thought I was done writing about Dastkar, didn’t you? I’m sorry folks, but I just can’t get over the excitement that nature bazaar happened so close to home. Yes, I made one final trip on Friday morning and back with some more pictures. So, this is one last post until next year.
Some of the stuff I saw this time was mind blowing. Like this one from Gujarat. I was in awe of the craftsmanship behind the potlis and almost bought the white one (can you spot it?). Some of the totes would be super handy for that quick trip to the grocery store.
I have a huge weakness for lanterns. And, it takes some serious amount of self control to not indulge in yourself when they come in such beautiful colors and shapes. It took some resolve to resist these.
It was past 6 p.m. on Saturday evening. After a long day, while we were returning home, my husband casually said, “oh, I forgot to tell you, Dastkar is happening at Ezone this year.” I was like, “what, serious?” And then, it came back in a flash. A friend had texted me that morning about a craft mela happening at a venue which is literally a stone’s throw away from home. It was enough to get me a on a high for the weekend and the tiredness of the day vanished in thin air.
Datskar, nature bazaar, happens every year around this time of the year at Palace Grounds. Dastkar and Kala Madhyam are the two events I look forward to every year but I’d somehow missed the announcement this year. Here’s a brief take on Dastkar 2012 after two visits and still eager for more.
What I liked:
The sights, the colors, the excitement of the kids to try the potter’s wheel, ladies undecided over fancy beaded jewelery, colorful birdies, kites, and a bit of every state served on a huge platter called Dastkar.
The path leading to the venue is decked up in ribbons of all colors and patterns. Nothing matches the vibrancy of a art and craft exhibition. Dastkar is the mother of all such exhibitions so the excitement doubles up. Phew! Honestly, it’s overwhelming. But, for art aficionados like me, this is as good as it gets.
Yea..most men don’t come there by choice, but by force accompanying the ladies..sorry guys. But, could see the desperation on many of your faces to get out and the huge sigh of relief as you walked past the exit. I overheard one gentleman saying at the entrance even before entering, “ah dekh liya..ab bas yahin se chalen.” It can get exhausting and you need at least an hour to get a feel of it.
Many stalls from last year were missing this time. I spoke to quite a few artisans and felt sad for them as the venue perhaps played spoil sport. They were not getting as good a footfall as Palace Grounds does.