The sangam of Indian crafts

DILLI HAAT

Situated near the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and right opposite
the trendy INA Market, is Dilli Haat, a small tableau of all the riches that
India is famous for. An upgraded version of the traditional weekly market that
is held in the villages, it offers a delightful amalgamation of craft, food and
cultural activities.

However, while the village haat is a mobile, flexible arrangement, the Dilli
Haat, is permanent but it is the craftsmen who are mobile and ever changing,
thereby offering a kaleidoscopic view of the richness and diversity of Indian
handicrafts and artifacts.

Spread over a spacious six-acre area, imaginative landscaping, creative
planning, and the traditional village architectural style have combined to
produce the perfect ambience for a Haat or market place. A plaza paved with
stone and brickwork interspersed with grass, flowering shrubs and towering
eucalyptus trees, plus a play corner for children have conjured up an oasis in
which visitors can not only buy items from across the country but also savor the
delicacies from various states at the food plaza. The different stalls offer a
wide choice of ethnic food, which is clean, hygienically prepared and reasonably
priced. It often is a venue for regional food festivals.

	Puppet show

The Dilli Haat offers you the Indian experience in a microcosm-a destination
in itself, and your window to a land filled with myriad colors and vibrant
contrasts.

Colorful umbrellas for sale	Home decoration on display

The project was conceived with the basic idea of providing encouragement and
exposure to needy artisans and craftsmen all over the country who often spend
their lives within the confines of their own village and town. The success of
the project lies in freeing the craftsman and the artisan from the stranglehold
of the middlemen and bringing them into direct contact with buyers both within
the country and outside. It offers the visiting tourist not only the arts and
handicrafts of the country at one place, but also the cuisine and performing
arts from different parts of the country. While developing the concept, it was
kept in mind that when a 'Haat' comes to the city, it has to adjust to urban
contemporary needs while retaining the cultural ambience familiar to rural
crafts people.

Dancers from Rajasthan	An artist from Gujarat

Camel hide jootis	Lamp shades on diaplay

There are 62 stalls selling handicrafts of varied kinds from all over the
country. Some shops are permanent but other sellers are rotated, usually for 15
days, thus ensuring that different handicrafts are available to visitors at each
visit, and also enabling them to buy authentic wares at prices that have not
been inflated by high maintenance costs. Shows promoting handicrafts and
handlooms are held at the exhibition hall in the complex. Products offered may
include rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embellished camel hide footwear,
sophisticated fabric and drapery, kantha saris, gems, beads, brassware, metal
crafts, and silk and wool fabrics. A touch of opulence is added with the vast
treasure house of gems and bead ornaments. Live demonstration by potters and
artisans is also given.

The International food plaza serves as a venue for different food festivals.
In addition there are about 25 stalls from different states serving the special
food items of those states. The stalls are let out for two years with the
condition that they serve the special dish of each state. There is a nominal
entrance fee to shop at Dilli Haat.