‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ comes alive at Bharat Mandapam
Team L&M
The idea of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat comes alive at the ongoing India International Trade Fair (IITF) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, not in grand declarations but in the quiet harmony of shared craftsmanship. It is here that the colours of Madhubani meet the shine of Dhokra; the rhythm of Kutch’s cowbells blends with the softness of Assam’s cane; and the stories etched in Tirupati wood rest beside the clay traditions of Bihar.
Each pavilion carries the distinct identity of its state — handlooms and tribal art of Jharkhand, intricate metalwork of Uttar Pradesh, the vibrant block-prints of Rajasthan etc. Further, State Day cultural performances, folk music, classical arts, and workshops create an immersive environment where visitors can witness India’s craft, culture and creativity.
India’s diversity does not stand apart, but together in these corridors. For, participating artisans here have brought a piece of their soil, memory, lineage, and placed it on a platform where it becomes part of a larger national tapestry. Visitors pause, listen, learn and carry these stories with them, becoming threads in that tapestry themselves.
Cultural Evenings
As the fairgrounds settle each evening, what remains is the reminder that India’s strength lies in this effortless convergence — many cultures, many languages, many hands, creating one shared identity. IITF captures this unity with a quiet grace, proving that when the country’s traditions stand side by side, India is not just diverse; it is beautifully, powerfully whole.
For many exhibitors, participation in the fair is directly linked to livelihood security. The event connects them to buyers they might otherwise never reach — exporters, institutional purchasers and families seeking authentic handmade work. The mix of business days and general public days helps artisans negotiate orders, expand their networks and interact with audiences who value craftsmanship.
“It also gives us a sense of recognition. We can speak about the processes, materials and histories behind our work, reaffirming our place in India’s cultural and creative landscape,” says a participating artisan.
For communities that have preserved these crafts for generations, the fair stands as a reminder that their skills remain relevant, respected and celebrated.
Madhuri Singh
Says a former schoolteacher, Madhuri Singh, who began creating traditional clay and jute dolls during the pandemic, “I wanted to make dolls that look like our own people and our own traditions.” Her dolls portray Indian customs, festivals and attire, combining hand-sculpted clay bodies with colourful jute garments.
Dhiraj Kumar
Continuing his family’s legacy, Dhiraj Kumar works with a team of artisans to produce cane and bamboo products that reflect Assam’s long-standing craft traditions. “In our village, many families depend on this work. Every item supports someone’s livelihood,” he says.
Debaki Parida
For Debaki Parida, Dhokra is a living tradition that defines the cultural identity of her tribal community. She works with women from her village to create brass figurines, ornaments and motifs inspired by everyday tribal life.
“Every design reflects where we come from. When people see our work, they understand our culture,” she says, adding that IITF gives her a platform to directly interact with visitors and narrate the story behind her pieces. “IITF gives small artisans like us the confidence that our heritage is valued,” she adds.
Dr G Dasaradha belongs to a family that has practised wood carving since generations. It is a craft deeply-rooted in temple tradition. The artisans in his region create both traditional panels and modern utility items using red sandalwood, white sandalwood, rosewood and teak. “Our technique has been passed down through generations. Even when we make contemporary items, the skill remains the same,” he notes.
