Craft, Culture, and Community at Shilpi Sammelan & Heritage Utsav

Bikas Das from Shantiniketan, West Bengal, specialises in kantha work on pure silk saris - a craft that takes over three months to complete each piece. His saris are exported to many countries and also sold online, and he emphasises that such work is rare to find locally

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI: At Aparajita Mahila Samiti in CR Park, the Shilpi Sammelan and Heritage Utsav 2025 is more than just an exhibition — it is a meeting ground between India's heritage and its future. The much-anticipated event was held from September 1 to 6, 2025, bringing together master weavers, artisans, and craftspersons from across the country.

Organisers say their vision goes beyond selling products: they want to give artisans sustainable livelihoods and connect urban buyers with traditional makers whose skills often remain unseen. "There is no middleman, no commission - you are paying the weavers directly. This is a living example of Vocal for Local," said Mrs Purnima Bhattacharyya, the organiser of the event, who also heads Women Moksha, an organisation set up in 2008. "This exhibition celebrates India's diverse artisan heritage; it is a wonderful platform for them to showcase their skills and gain fair recognition."