‘USTAAD’ ka Hunar Haat: Exploring Indian Art, Crafts and Cuisine
Mumbai, December 6: This year seems to take us back to the golden era where the country explored its richness through its art and culture. Bringing back the heritage of Indian culture, ‘Hunar Haat’ is back with an exhibition dedicated to discover the art and craft along with the cuisinof India and particularly for the minority communities.
Organized by the Minority Affairs official, the hunar haat was inaugurated by Vinod Tawde. The exhibition is slated till 10th January near Marine Lines, Mumbai. The exhibition is being organized through National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation under a scheme called USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) As part of the this scheme, the Ministry had earlier organized four exhibitions successfully during the last two years.
The aim is to explore the long lost art and craft pertaining to the minority communities and giving them an exposure to the market.Over the years, because of globalization and growing competition in the market, the young talent has been overshadowed. Therefore this is just an attempt to preserve the long lost art forms through inputs such as better marketing linkage, new designs, better packaging, training & credit association.
Around 100 artisans including from 21 states and one union territory represent themselves in the Minority Community. The Hunar Haat at Mumbai is being organized with a theme of “Craft Aur Cuisine Ka Sangam”. A total of 21 stalls of cuisines & sweets are being setup which would serve the famous cuisines. The artisans will be bringing very beautiful pieces of handicraft & handloom work like cane & bamboo & jute products of Assam. For the first time artisans of Parsi Gara Embroidery, calligraphy in Wood and Rogan Art (which is a dying craft) are participating in the Exhibition. About 26 women artisans would be showcasing & selling their products.
Hunar Haat proves to be a successful & memorable event for the artisans & they are encouraged by the good response of the domestic & international visitors. This definitely adds up to the numerous efforts taken by the people to keep their culture and tradition intact. Many such exhibitions and fest will enhance the rich cultural heritage and boast the people to come up with new things.