Delhi Haat — kaleidoscope of Indian culture & handicrafts
With an entry face of Rs.20, you enter a kaleidoscope of Indian culture i.e. Delhi Haat. Away from the world of air conditioned malls & brands Delhi Haat (Haat refers to an open market place to buy daily use stuff) is situated in the heart of Indian capital- Delhi, covering an area of approximately 6 acres. As you enter the place you’ll be welcomed by lavish display of colourful & animal shaped foot mats & after that comes a tarot card reader or an astrologer ready to tell what your future holds, which is definitely bright given to the fact that you’re standing at the hub where every stall unfolds diversity that is offered by our culture.
Here is a glimpse of few states who have found a permanent place here-
- Starting from the topmost state of Jammu & Kashmir- The stall is operated by authentic Kashmiri men who spare no effort to exhibit their beautiful collection which comprises of hand embroidered Kashmiri wool jackets, coats & the hot sellers Pashmina shawls & stoles.
2. Punjab- Famous as the land of five rivers, Punjab is known for vibrant culture & phulkari embroidery. Here you’ll come across exorbitant display of hand woven colourful floral & geometrical patterns on stoles, dupattas, suits & sarees and Punjabi juttis.
3. Uttar Pradesh- The capital of Uttar Pradesh- Lucknow, is a city of Nawabs & famous for its Chikankari embroidery. The splendour display of chikankari embroidery on kurtas, suits, stoles & sarees are exhibited here. From the city of Saharanpur, we get to see intricate wood carved boxes & many showpieces.
4. The state of Kings- Rajasthan is the largest producer of handicraft items in India. Here you will come across Jaipuri comforters & bedcovers with block printing. In accessories it’s impossible to miss the colourful laac bangles, traditional jewellery in precious & semi-precious stones, wall hangings & if you are lucky enough then you can also come across live puppet show.
5. From the state of Peshwas- Maharastra, Delhi Haat has picked up the simplest yet stylish footwear famously as the Kohlapuri Chappals. It is impossible to come out of this place without a pair or two.
6. Gujarat has given India the greatest heritage in embroidery work and craft through its famous and versatile Kutch embroidery. The kaleidoscopic colourful Kutchi embroidery is lavishly flaunted here on bags, short jackets & another form of apparels.
This is just a glimpse of major handicrafts amongst the plethora of art forms present here. To ensure complete exhibit of our country’s rich handicrafts the stalls are rotated in every 15 days & in a constant effort to keep our traditions alive, authorities organise many events like cultural festivals, music programs, dance programs, competitions & much more.
P.S.- Don’t forget to enjoy and buy various pottery, paper mache items and handmade fashion/junk jewelry.
Figure 1-POTTERY ITEMS Figure 2-PAPER MACHE ELEPHANT
Savour the regional cuisines-
From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Delhi Haat serves the scrumptious cuisines from almost all the 29 states of India under one roof. Not to be missed Rajasthani thali, Momos & the famous fruit beer.
Best time to be here-
Open from 10 am to 10 pm, twilight is the best time to visit to avoid the scorching summer heat which lasts from March to July in Delhi & during the winter season, when sun rays make every body part relaxed, morning to noon is the best time. However, if you want to enjoy the Thupkas & steaming hot momos it’s better to stay back.
Not just limited to shopping & eating-
When & only you’re over shopping &eating there are many other activities you can do here like live sketching by a talented artist, get your name written on a rice grain, enjoy the ongoing cultural or live event & also learn about different art styles by regional stall owners.