Shilp Kala Utsav celebrates women artisans, showcases handcrafted treasures, talent
The vibrant colours and exquisite craftsmanship of women artisans have taken centre stage at the Shilp Kala Utsav, organised by the All-India Women’s Conference (AIWC).
This three-day event, which started on October 17, aims to empower women and children by showcasing handcrafted items that highlight the rich cultural heritage of India. With a diverse array of textiles, craft, jewellery and accessories, the festival serves as a platform for women artisans, students, NGOs and entrepreneurs to display their talents while eliminating the need for middlemen.
Manju Kak, Secretary General of AIWC, said, “This is an annual event that we started 14 years ago, aimed at empowering women and children. We have different categories here — entrepreneurs who pay a small fee for their stalls, and artisans and artists who provide a small deposit, which we return after the event. It was initiated by one of our patrons, Beena Jain.”
The event not only showcases a plethora of handmade craft, but also features a cultural segment that includes performances by children and teenagers from various NGOs.
Kak added, “We have performances from young girls and specially abled children from the Amarjoti NGO throughout the event, adding a beautiful touch to the festival.”
As visitors enter the premises, they are greeted by stall No. 70, filled with decorative products crafted by Medha, a designer specialising in textured wood painting. Her creations range from water-resistant coasters to intricately designed cake stands and trays. Sharing her journey, Medha said, “I don’t have a shop; I just participate in exhibitions and work alone on these crafts. The most challenging period is during the monsoon and winter, when the drying time for paints can extend to as long as a month. In summer, it takes about a week. I also make unique kaftan dresses. I don’t use Instagram, so these exhibitions are my only platform.”
Just a few steps away, a couple from Kolkata has set up shop to sell handmade leather bags. Sima Banerjee, the main artist behind the bags, has been in the craft since 1986. Her husband, Suranjan Banerjee, explained, “Sima graduated from Shantiniketan Kala Bhavana and started making leather bags. She later trained others in Kolkata to carry on the craft. Since our son was born in 1992, she has focused on designs rather than making them all herself. She even taught at NIFT when she showcased her work at the Pragati Maidan Craft Museum.” Their bags range from Rs 20 to Rs 1,500, appealing to a wide array of customers.
Anamika Kumari, representing the Sanjeevni Self-Help Group (SHG), showcased a collection of jewellery, pearl bags and Diwali decorative items.
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