Shilp Sampada 2014
If this week you visit the Delhi Haat and find some hustle-bustle or a scream of joy, then do not get confused about where you are because this week it is holding an exhibition of arts and culture, where people coming from various states, and of backward classes, would be showcasing their self-made products.
People dancing on the entrancing beats.
When One World News visited Delhi Hatt, we witnessed people dancing on drum beats and some Rajasthani folk dance. We indeed felt we have suddenly become a part of some party but then realized and said to ourselves, ‘Welcome to Shilp Sampada 2014’.Beautiful decoration, amazing fragrance of incense sticks and colorful things all around, one would find varied products from incense sticks, perfumes to traditional Phulkari and Kurtis of Punjabi and much more at just one place. The amazing thing about the exhibition was that all these products were made by handicapped people.
Beautiful Decorations in front of the entrance of Delhi Haat
Organised by the Ministry of Social Injustice and Empowerment, the exhibition aims at promoting arts and culture and also to bring these artistsin the main stream of the country. “All states are participating in this exhibition. The people who have been assisted under the schemes of the ministry are given chance to showcase their products and sell them. This exhibition is only for backward classes and people with disability,” said Sanjeev Sharma from one of the corporation of the ministry.
Beautiful pillow covers by people of Orissa
Stalls from 16 to 45 are given to disabled people and we had an opportunity to take a tour of a few of them. We met some disabled people amongst which one of them had a hearing disability, who came from a small village in Pondicherry. Hewas selling incense sticks, candles, ittar etc. and the other stall had a half-paralysed man, who came from Punjab, and was selling dress materials. The cost involved in travel, stay, food etc. is taken care of by the Government and the participants do not have to give any share from their profits to the government.
Katputli from Rajasthan
This was the 8th Shilp Kala exhibition and as compared to earlier years the response has improved, in fact it’s been doubled.
People want to know more than the knowledge they already have regarding a culture and are accepting the art of other states. Even the participants are making changes to their products to match up the need of the customer.
Handmade Jute boxes from Orissa
“Art is not about the prosperity or culture; it is about the target group. People are more interested to know how disabled people or people coming from target zones are making such products and how they are selling it.” Says Sanjeev Sharma.
Available decoration pieces at Delhi Haat
The exhibition works on rotational basis. One might not find the same people sitting in the next exhibition, except two or three stalls that the government has decided to carry on to other places. The exhibition would go on till 10th of November in Delhi Haat. However, if your schedule is busy this week and you miss the chance to be here then do not worry because you can witness the same at Pragati Maidan Trade Fair from 14th to 27th November.
