Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi : August 22, 2025 – A landmark moment in India’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote its artisanal legacy unfolded with the inauguration of “The Kunj”, a flagship cultural and retail complex dedicated to celebrating Indian handicrafts and handlooms. This milestone coincided with the launch of the newly established Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) “Shilp Bhawan”, located at Plot No. 8, Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Both are inaugurated by the Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, on 21st Aug 2025 in the august presence of dignitaries including Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Textiles, including the Secretary (Textiles), the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), and the Development Commissioner (Handlooms).
The Kunj is India’s first integrated crafts complex—an ambitious, design-led initiative envisioned and developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). Its purpose is to provide artisans with a world-class platform to showcase their work, build market access, and engage audiences through immersive cultural experiences. With a focus on fair trade, sustainability, and creative expression, the initiative brings India’s diverse craft traditions into a contemporary, globally relevant format.
Strategically located in the heart of South Delhi’s premium retail belt—adjacent to DLF Promenade, Emporio, and Ambience Mall—The Kunj is conceived as a living cultural ecosystem, blending heritage with innovation. The complex features curated design-led retail outlets, live demonstrations by master artisans, hands-on workshops for all age groups, regional culinary experiences, and rotating exhibitions and performances. This immersive, all-day engagement model is designed to foster appreciation, learning, and interaction with India’s living craft traditions.
During the walkthrough of the complex, Shri Giriraj Singh interacted with artisans, brand founders, and curators, expressing admiration for the diversity and excellence of craftsmanship on display. He commended the vision of The Kunj and reiterated the government’s commitment to taking artisans “from gaon to global.”
Speaking at the event, he said that The Kunj is India’s first such initiative dedicated to promoting crafts at this large scale and in line with the vision of the Central Government to take artisans “from gaon to global.”
The Minister also highlighted that this pioneering initiative can serve as a blueprint for similar models across the country and reaffirm India’s position as a global hub for traditional knowledge systems and handmade excellence. He expressed confidence that the success of The Kunj will serve as an exemplar for similar initiatives across the country and reaffirm India’s stature as a global hub for traditional knowledge systems and handmade excellence.
He visited the curated retail shops, live craft demonstration zone, interactive workshop area, and exhibition area covering the ground and first floor of the complex, taking particular interest in the depth, diversity, and craftsmanship represented across the space. He appreciated the seamless integration of cultural heritage, creative enterprise, and experiential engagement, noting that the complex not only offers dignified and contemporary retail opportunities for artisans but also redefines public interaction with India’s handcrafted legacy.
To mark the launch, a three-month inaugural celebration has been rolled out, designed to draw public engagement and showcase the depth of India’s artisanal heritage. Key highlights include Karigar Sangam, a specially curated exhibition featuring over 100 masterworks by National Awardees, Shilp Gurus, and master artisans—many of which are available for sale to the public. The programme also includes design-led retail showcases, live demonstrations of rare crafts, hands-on workshops for children and adults, immersive cultural performances, and a culinary experience that brings together authentic regional flavors. The CCIC showroom—a premium retail outlet dedicated to India’s handcrafted treasures—also forms a vital part of the space.
Several innovative and impact-driven craft enterprises have been spotlighted at The Kunj. Among them is Memeraki – Folk Art Map of India, a pioneering culture-tech brand working to digitise every heritage art form across India. With a bold mission to digitise every heritage art and craft across the country, their initiative aims to create sustainable livelihoods for artisans while unlocking creative human potential on a global scale. By bridging tradition with innovation, they are reimagining how cultural heritage can thrive in the digital age.
Their children’s workshops are designed to foster cultural understanding and artistic skill from a young age. One of the coordinators organising the workshop for children at the venue says, “Our workshops are designed to provide children with an early introduction to the world of art and to help them develop better skills and cultural perspectives. We believe that learning traditional art and craft is beneficial for kids, as it fosters an interest in the history and traditions of their culture. The group is reimagining the future of the artisan creator economy by leveraging technology and creative tools. We collaborate with artisans from across the country to help them preserve their crafts and share them with a global audience, thus creating sustainable livelihoods for traditional artists.
Another standout is Khol Khel-play-based education, which combines traditional Indian games with educational reform. Their exhibit features over 50 handcrafted chess sets and brings to life ancient Indian games like Chaturang and Shatranj, reviving not just the games themselves, but the artistry behind their creation.
Originating from Bengal, the organisation curated a titled Chaturang, at the exhibition at the Kunj, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and Bengal through the lens of ancient chess traditions, displaying a few beautifully crafted Chaturang boards. With a legacy spanning over the years, the brand has remained steadfast in its commitment to play-based education, working closely with schools to integrate games into the learning environment.
Its mission centres on empowering educators to harness the pedagogical potential of play, transforming games into meaningful tools for teaching. Guided by the belief that play can inspire, educate, and build community, the organisation continues to champion innovative approaches that blend tradition with learning. The organisation is committed to reviving traditional craft practices and advancing educational interventions through the medium of play.
Drishti -Showcasing handmade Artistry, a presentation by Dastkari Haat Samiti, showcases the environmentally conscious exhibition titled “Gandhi Virasat – Kagazkala.” This features calligraphy and handmade paper artworks that highlight Gandhian ideals, sustainable materials, and the continued relevance of vernacular art forms in India.
Dastkari Haat Samiti’s craftspeople and artists use their creative imagination and age-old skills to showcase a unique collection that represents Gandhi through various artistic forms.
The exhibition “Gandhi Virasat _Kagazkala” beautifully displays artworks in calligraphy on handmade paper, aiming to raise awareness about the diverse types of paper that still exist in India. This celebration also emphasises the importance of preserving a clean environment and promoting the vernacular languages of the country, both of which were dear to Gandhiji.
The curator of the exhibition, calligraphy artists from across India, and the team at the Conservation Division pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. It placed special importance on supporting India’s rural craftspeople to sustain their traditional livelihoods and strengthen village economies. The use of natural materials and the interdependence of communities played a vital role in protecting the environment and providing dignified work in an increasingly mechanised age.
Karigar Sangam- specially curated exhibition area
Karigar Sangam, a dedicated and evolving space honouring the legacy of Indian craftsmanship. This specially curated exhibition features 93 artisans whose works are both culturally resonant and technically masterful. It is envisioned as a confluence, a sangam, of craft, culture, and continuity. It is an evolving space that honours some of India’s finest artisans, including Shilp Gurus and National Awardees. Each piece on display is an award entry—an embodiment of the artisan’s skill, vision, and cultural legacy.
Among them is the timeless artistry of Phad painting finds vivid expression through the work of Kalyan Prasad Joshi, a celebrated National Awardee2010. His featured piece, Devnarayan, rendered on cloth using natural pigments, pays homage to a 700-year-old narrative tradition rooted in Rajasthan’s cultural landscape.
He said, “Phad painting is a sacred storytelling art form, where mythological tales are illustrated on long scrolls that serve as mobile temples. Joshi’s work continues this legacy, portraying revered folk deities Devnarayan Ji and Pabuji—figures deeply venerated by the Rabari community of Rajasthan.”
Through intricate detailing and symbolic composition, the artwork invites viewers into a world where devotion, folklore, and visual storytelling converge. It stands not only as a testament to Joshi’s mastery but also as a living bridge between heritage and contemporary appreciation.
Kumari Priyanka Prashad from Jharkhand presents Godna-inspired artwork paying tribute to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, using this ancient tattooing art to tell stories of resistance and resilience.
She brings the spirit of resistance and reverence to life through her evocative Godna artwork depicting Birsa Munda, the legendary tribal freedom fighter and environmentalist from Jharkhand. Her piece is featured at Karigar Sangam, where it stands as a powerful tribute to indigenous identity and resilience.
Godna, a traditional tattooing practice rooted in tribal communities—especially among women in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh—is more than ornamentation; it is a visual language of belonging, memory, and cultural pride. Priyanka’s adaptation of this ancient art form onto canvas transforms skin-bound symbolism into a broader narrative space.
She said that her portrayal of Birsa Munda is not only to honour a revolutionary who challenged colonial rule and championed forest rights but also to reclaim the Godna tradition as a medium of storytelling and empowerment.
Her work bridges ancestral wisdom with contemporary relevance, inviting viewers to engage with the layered histories etched into every motif.
Meanwhile, Sushil Kumar Soni from Bhilwara, Rajasthan, displays a stunning Pichwal painting titled Premanuraag, created with natural pigments and gold leaf, evoking the divine presence of Shrinathji in the Nathdwara tradition.
“Premanuraag” is a captivating artwork rooted in the traditional craft of Pichwal, this piece exemplifies the grandeur of large hand-painted cloth panels that originated in Nathdwara. Pichwal paintings are renowned for adorning temple sanctums with vivid depictions of Shrinathji’s (Lord Krishna’s) divine life, capturing moments of devotion, celebration, and spiritual intimacy.
Crafted on handmade cotton canvas, the surface is meticulously prepared using flour paste starching, then brought to life with natural pigments and embellished with gold and silver leaf, adding a luminous depth to the sacred narrative. Premanuraag is not just a visual offering—it is a heartfelt tribute to divine love, tradition, and the enduring legacy of devotional art in Rajasthan.
All these pieces—rich with symbolism, history, and intricate technique—are available for purchase, offering visitors a rare opportunity to own a piece of India’s living heritage. More than just a display, Karigar Sangam encourages visitors to engage with the stories, communities, and values that shape India’s artisanal traditions.
Ultimately, The Kunj is more than a marketplace—it is a reimagined space for cultural revival and creative enterprise. With participation from over 30 leading craft organisations, design collaborations, and community-led enterprises, the complex serves as a bridge between India’s timeless legacy and its contemporary aspirations. Whether one comes to witness the mastery of artisans, participate in a workshop, taste regional delicacies, or simply explore the evolving world of Indian craft, The Kunj offers something for everyone.
As the doors open to this vibrant complex, India takes a bold step forward in presenting its rich handcrafted legacy to the world—not as a relic of the past, but as a living, evolving force that continues to inspire, connect, and transform.
