Delhi's August shopping is sorted: Dastkar's Monsoon Mela is back

After a short summer break, one of Delhi's most-loved craft bazaars is back. Dastkar's Monsoon Mela returns to Nature Bazaar in Chhatarpur with over 90 artisans and craft collectives from across India. Whether you're hunting for a statement pashmina shawl or just planning a leisurely browse, this shopping stop is worth penciling into your calendar. And here's a bonus! Your pet companion's welcome too, provided they're on a leash.

What to expect?

The monsoon edition will showcase traditional and contemporary crafts from across the whole country: khadi and handloom textiles, intricate embroidery, crochet, ceramics, paintings, upcycled creations, brassware, tribal copper jewellery, lac bangles and bamboo furnishings. The list is literally inextinguishable. You might even walk away with a Yak wool sweater imported from Ladakh.

But the mela isn't just about shopping. A food court serving authentic regional dishes and traditional beverages from across India will keep you fueled while browsing. There will also be cultural performances, including a Gotipua dance performance from Odisha by the Kailash Gotipua Odishi Nritya Parishad.

What’s Dastkar?

Founded in 1981, Dastkar is a private, not-for-profit organization working with traditional craftspeople, many of whom are women and village-based artisans. Its bazaars are designed to give makers a direct platform to sell their work to customers, helping them bypass middlemen. 

Beyond its exhibitions, the organisation also conducts workshops with designers and experts from institutes such as National Institute of Design and National Institute of Fashion Technology to help artisans innovate while staying rooted in traditional techniques. 

The upcoming Monsoon Mela is one of the several seasonal bazaars organized by Dastkar every year, making it a once-in-three months opportunity.

A comeback

Earlier this year, Dastkar organised a Solidarity Bazaar after 42 stalls were consumed by fire at their Nature Bazaar in April. We're very glad they've been able to continue their regular programming.

Details

When: August 6-17, 11am to 8pm.
Where: Nature Bazaar venue, Anuvrat Marg, Kisan Haat Andheria Modh, Desu Colony, Chhattarpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110074
Parking: Available
Tickets: ₹50 per person