Karigar Haat brings nature into urban homes

The 10-day FolkFest, which will be held from Nov 27 – Dec 6 was inaugurated by Mamata Shankar, Lopamudra Mitra, Agnimitra Paul, Mrs T S Raji Gain, Chief General Manager Nabard and Sujit Bose.

The Karigar Haat 2015, the 10th edition of the festival, is being organized by AIM (Art Illuminates Mankind).

This year’s theme Parampara (tradition) will once again connect the urbane Kolkatans to the rich heritage of rural handicrafts and handlooms – timeless creations of artisans across the country.

This year Karigar Haat launched Deshaj – an organic fashion brand for apparel, home furnishings and accessories by rural women of marginalized communities.

Karigar Haat 2015 cultural carnival will feature folk artistes from various parts of Bengal showcasing their performances such as Dhamsa, Baul, Chhou, Natua, Pata Naach, Sarpa along with puppet shows and folk dances from south India.

“We have worked with artisans and hosted several fairs and festivals over the years. We have also held an International Festival to showcase the different forms of folk art and culture from world over” said Sonali Chakraborty, Secretary, AIM.

“Our objective is to draw attention to our rich tradition and introduce it to the younger generation in the hope that they value their national heritage and develop new forms of inter-cultural dialogues,” she added.

An added attraction of the fair is the indigenous cuisine ranging from Rajasthani dal-baati churma to Bengal’s own puli-pithe would be available at Karigar Haat to delight the visitors with the authentic flavours of India.

Along with these live performances there would be rural artisans working on their regional handicraft such as Odisha Patachitra, Sanjhi work of Mathura or Chhou masks of West Bengal which are so popular in the urban household today. Kantha stitch, Rogan work, bandhej, glass, mosaic, bamboo work items will be on display as well as one can watch them creating their products.

AIM, a welfare organization for the artisans that has brought Karigar Haat 2015 – Art & Cultural Festival to Kolkata, has come a long way. It was established in 2003 with a vision to study and research the folk culture, tribal art and craft, to bring people of tribal societies to limelight and save their arts from extinction.
 
Karigar Haat 2015 would be open to public from 12 noon to 8 pm.