There's something undoubtedly magical about Indian handicrafts. Unique, intricate, eye catching and expressive, each item has a story behind it. It's impossible to come to India and return home empty handed. Forget the ubiquitous handicraft emporiums and check out these five interesting places to buy handicrafts in India.
1. Dili Haat, Delhi
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When it comes to shopping for handicrafts in India, you can't beat Dili Haat. A joint initiative of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation and the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Department, it's one of the best markets in Delhi. Deliberately made to feel like a traditional weekly village market, Dili Haat offers an exciting blend of inexpensive handicrafts from all over India, food, and cultural and music performances.
2. Kala Madhyam, Bangalore
Kala Madhyam
Kala Madhyam supports traditional (folk and tribal) Indian artists and artisans. From the rugged beauty of Kutch to the ethereal hill country of Arunachal Pradesh, the wide variety of handicrafts at Kala Madhyam come from every corner of India. They include Bastar metal art figures, Manipur black pottery, ceramic and marble sculptures, paintings, jewelry, wall hangings, and clothing. However, the specialty at Kala Madhyam is wall murals. They are simply magnificant. Don't miss the annual Arts Mela, held towards the end of the year.
3. Anokhi, Jaipur
Anokhi
Anokhi was founded in 1970 and is renowned for its high quality, block printed textiles. In fact, the store is so popular that it has outlets in major cities across India. What makes visiting Anokhi so interesting is the Anokhi Museum, located near Amber Fort in Jaipur. It's at the museum that you'll really get to appreciate the art of block printing. The Anokhi Museum has daily block carving and printing demonstrations, as well as slide shows and short film documentaries on printing and dyeing. One and two day workshops are also on offer for those who want to learn the art. These workshops cater to all skill levels, and you'll get hands-on experience working alongside craftsmen. See the Anokhi Museum website for more information.
4. MESH, Delhi and Hyderabad
MESH
MESH works with groups of disabled artisans, and they produce beautiful handicrafts. The very attractive and well made items include bags, bed covers, cushion covers, hair accessories, home decor, toys, and cards. MESH has its own Design Studio, where items are developed. Find out more about the handcrafting process in the MESH Design Studio blog.
5. Khazana, Taj Hotels
Sharell Cook
If you're looking for distinctive handicrafts with a touch of luxury, you'll find them in the Taj hotel group's Khazana boutiques. Located at key Taj hotels in major cities across India, Khazana showcases premium handicrafts from leading and emerging Indian artisans. These include finely woven silks and saris, stone studded jewelry, evening bags, paintings, and home furnishings. In Mumbai, the signature store is located at the Taj Lands End in Bandra. There are also Khazana boutiques in Delhi, Goa, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. A total of 14 stores are expected to be open by 2011. The first palace store, in the new Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad, promises to be something special.
