MUMBAI, 26 APRIL, 2022 (GPN):NIFT with active support from the Ministry of Textiles, Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms) and Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) has developed and implemented Craft Cluster Initiative Program, which aims to provide the students with continuous exposure to the handloom and handicraft clusters, thus providing an opportunity for creative innovation and experimentation. Through this initiative, NIFT aims to reach out to the artisans and craftsmen at the grass root level. The artisans and craftsmen involved in the initiative will benefit through knowledge dissemination and exposure to urban markets and design intervention, innovative designs and linkages with new markets. Craft Bazaar, is an annual event hosted by each campus under the NIFT Craft cluster policy. The aim of the Bazaar is to help create a direct link between the weavers and artisans of India with customers. These activities align the vision of the institute to work along with artisans to take the rich cultural heritage of India on a global platform.

Through this initiative, NIFT has been successful in creating a widespread awareness and sensitivity in assimilating crafts into fashion and vice-versa. Last year, NIFT Mumbai successfully completed the Craft Bazaar 2021 with a footfall of over 540 visitors over a span of two days. This year too, NIFT Mumbai has geared up to make Craft Bazaar 2022 grander than previous years. The event is scheduled for 26th -27th April at NIFT Mumbai Campus from 12 noon to 8:00 pm. The Bazaar this year will see stalls showcasing the products developed by artisans from over 15 clusters. The presence of award winning artisans like Smt. Dayaben Dohat (Soof Embroidery of Gujarat), Shri Dheeraj Chippa (Dabu – Bagru Printing of Rajasthan)  to name a few has increased the stature of the event. Apart from them, the Bazaar will also showcase the best of crafts of Maharashtra like Paithani Saris, Kolhapuri Chappals, Warli Paintings, Hupari’s silver jewellery and Banjara Jewellery.  Apart from the exhibition cum sale of artisanal products, NIFT Mumbai is also organising craft demonstrations for the visitors based on early bird registration. The visitors will learn the art from these master craftspersons directly. 

The event will be inaugurated by the Textile Commissioner of India, Ms. Roop Rashi (IA&AS). 

Craft Bazaar 2022, hosted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai was inaugurated on 26th April 2022 by Smt. Roop Rashi (IA&AS) – Textile Commissioner. The grand event began with ribbon cutting and lighting of the lamp by the chief guest along with Prof. (Dr.) Pavan Godiawala – Director NIFT Mumbai, Prof. (Dr.) Rupa Agarwal – Head Cluster NIFT, Mr. Khushal Jangid – Joint Director – NIFT Mumbai and Smt. Dayaben Dohat – National Award-winning Soof Embroidery artisan. 

The event was coordinated by the Mumbai Campus Craft Cluster Initiative Coordinator – Dr. Kundlata Mishra who organized 19 exhibition stalls of Handloom, & Handicrafts from various parts of India. The stalls include Soof embroidery by Smt. Dayaben Dohat, Natural Dyeing & Printing by renowned artisan Shri Dheeraj Chippa, Madhubani Painting by Shri Gautam Jha, Kolhapuri Chappals by Shri Balkrishna Gavali, Warli art by Shri Dilip Bahotha, Banjara jewelry by Smt. Vijaya Pawara, Dhokra craft by Shri Rajib Maity, Paithani Saris by Shri Nilesh Pardeshi, etc. 

The event witnessed a good footfall with over 250 people visiting on the first day. People from neighboring areas, schools, colleges, & the alumni of NIFT visited the Craft Bazaar which was organized at NIFT Campus Kharghar Navi Mumbai. NIFT believes in supporting the artisan community to celebrate their incredible crafts on a global platform. Apart from the Bazaar, the event also had craft demonstrations of “Soof Embroidery” by National Award-winning artisans Smt. Dayaben Dohat and Madhubani Painting were conducted by Shri Gautam Jha, to sensitize the student community and visitors. The event will be open for public on 27th April, 2022.Ends