Hyderabad, July 31: The two-day ‘Threads of Hope Bazaar’, a special initiative to support artisans whose livelihoods were devastated by the fire at Dastkar Nature Bazaar, New Delhi, began on Friday at the Crafts Council of Telangana, MLA Colony, Off Road No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
The inaugural function was inaugurated by noted television presenter, actress, producer and cinema personality Ms. Jhansi Laxmi, along with members of the Crafts Council of Telangana, craft lovers, designers, revivalists and supporters of India’s rich handmade traditions.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Jhansi Laxmi said, “Behind every handmade creation is an artisan’s story. By supporting ‘Threads of Hope Bazaar’, we are not just buying beautiful crafts—we are helping families rebuild their livelihoods after a devastating tragedy. Let us celebrate India’s rich craft heritage by standing with our artisans when they need us the most.”
Organised by the Crafts Council of Telangana (CCT), the bazaar will remain open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will conclude on Saturday evening.
The bazaar has brought together 26 artisan groups and creative enterprises directly impacted by the Delhi fire, representing the diversity and richness of India’s craft traditions.
Among the exhibitors are Floral Doodle Handloom from Mubarkpur, Uttar Pradesh; SA Carpet Rugs from Mirzapur, showcasing handcrafted vegetable-dyed rugs, each taking 20 to 22 days to weave by two artisans; Bare Hands Crafted by Amit Khandelwal, promoting traditional hand-block crafts; Bespoke by Saurabh, a Pune-based handmade studio exhibiting intricate, machine-free embroidered artworks created on leaves, cotton and fabric; Rida Kaari Studio, presenting upcycled textiles that give a second life to traditional embroidery; Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra, showcasing the vibrant Sandur Lambani embroidery tradition; Kirgiti, featuring hand-printed blouses and T-shirts made using plant-based materials; Bent Handcrafts from Assam with bamboo craft products; Naie Kiran from Kashmir displaying exquisite hand-embroidered shawls; and Afghan Handcrafts, presenting hand-knotted carpets and handwoven kilims crafted from naturally dyed wool.
Visitors can explore an extraordinary range of handcrafted products, including silk carpets, rugs, runners and cushion covers; Ajrakh and Bagru block prints; Banarasi handloom sarees, dupattas and stoles; Chikankari garments and home textiles; Pashmina shawls; bamboo and cane handicrafts; papier-mâché creations; tribal jewellery; Kantha and Lambani embroidery; sustainable hemp clothing; handcrafted home décor; upcycled lifestyle accessories; and many other artisan-made products from across India.
Reaffirming its longstanding commitment to artisan welfare and the preservation of India’s craft heritage, the Crafts Council of Telangana conceived Threads of Hope Bazaar as a platform of resilience, compassion and collective support. Earlier this year, the devastating fire at Dastkar Nature Bazaar destroyed stalls, inventories and years of painstaking work, leaving many artisan families facing severe economic hardship.
Participating artisans come from several craft-rich regions, including Kashmir, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Rajasthan, West Bengal and other states, showcasing sustainable, eco-conscious, women-led and artisan-driven enterprises that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
More than a marketplace, Threads of Hope Bazaar celebrates the resilience of India’s artisan communities. It offers visitors an opportunity to interact directly with artisans, understand the stories behind their crafts and contribute meaningfully to their recovery. Every purchase made at the bazaar directly supports artisans working to rebuild their lives after an unforeseen tragedy.
By bringing together craft lovers, conscious consumers, designers, collectors and supporters of handmade traditions, the Crafts Council of Telangana hopes to transform a moment of loss into an opportunity for renewal, ensuring that India’s timeless craft traditions continue to flourish for generations to come.
The Crafts Council of Telangana works to preserve traditional craft practices, empower artisans through skill development, create sustainable market opportunities, promote public awareness about India’s rich craft heritage and strengthen artisan livelihoods.