Discover the 12 Best Handicraft Markets in India for Unique Finds
Indian Handicraft Markets are rich repositories of traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, showcasing artisans’ incredible diversity and skill across the country. These markets are popular destinations for tourists and locals alike, offering unique and handmade items that reflect the cultural heritage of various regions. Here are some of the best handicraft markets in India:
Dilli Haat, New Delhi
Dilli Haat is a vibrant and popular open-air market in New Delhi, India. It is an initiative by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTDC) to promote the crafts and cuisines in India. It is designed to resemble a traditional village market, with thatched roof cottages and a village-like atmosphere. This setup allows artisans from India to display and sell the crafts directly to customers. It has craft stalls, food stalls, cultural performances, workshops, and demonstrations. It is one of the most vibrant Indian handicraft markets.
Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
Chandni Chowk, though primarily known for its bustling streets, historical landmarks, and vibrant food scene, is also one of the top handicraft bazaars in India. Key areas for handicrafts in Chandni Chowk are Dariba Kalan, Kinari Bazaar, Bhagirath Palace, and Khari Baoli. Different types of handicrafts like textiles and embroidery, jewellery, pottery and ceramics, wooden handicrafts, metal crafts, and traditional attire. Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir or a beautiful piece of traditional art, Chandni Chowk’s handicraft market is a must-visit destination.
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Johari Bazaar, Jaipur
Johari Bazaar in Jaipur is widely renowned for its exquisite jewellery, but it also offers a variety of handicrafts that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. It is situated in the heart of Jaipur, near the Hawa Mahal and the City Palace. It offers traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, including textiles, pottery, and decorative items. These handicrafts reflect the region’s cultural heritage. Johari Bazaar provides an authentic handicraft shopping experience that captures the essence of Jaipur’s craftsmanship.
Shilpgram, Udaipur
The term ‘Shilpgram’ literally translates to “Craft’s Village”. It is a traditional handicraft market located about 3 kilometres west of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India. This rural arts and crafts complex is spread over 70 acres and is designed to showcase the diverse culture, arts, and crafts of various Indian States. The note-worthy features of Shilpgram Handicrafts Market are its traditional architecture, handicrafts, cultural performances, workshops, and demonstrations. The most prominent event at Shilpgram is the annual Shilpgram Festival held in December. This festival attracts artisans from all over India and features a large number of stalls, performances, and cultural events.
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Rann Utsav, Kutch
The Rann Utsav is an annual cultural festival held in the Rann of Kutch, Gujrat, India. One of the highlights of Rann Utsav is its handicrafts market, which features a wide array of traditional and contemporary crafts from local artisans. Many artisans come from the nearby villages and showcase their unique craftsmanship at this craft market. The direct interaction with the artisans allows visitors to learn about the techniques and stories behind the crafts.
Cottage Industries Exposition
Cottage Industries Exposition is a famous handicraft market that promotes traditional handicrafts and cottage industries from various parts of India. It features an extensive array of handicrafts including textiles, carpets, jewellery, pottery, woodwork, and metal crafts. Each item reflects the unique craftsmanship and cultural traditions of different regions of India. CIE organizes exhibitions and fairs not only in India but also in various international locations. By providing artisans a platform, CIE helps in preserving traditional crafts and supporting livelihoods.
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Pondy Bazaar, Chennai
Pondy Bazaar, located in T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most famous shopping destinations in the city. It has a notable section dedicated to handicrafts. This market offers a variety of traditional and contemporary handmade items, showcasing the rich craft heritage of Tamil Nadu and other parts. The handicraft market provides a rich shopping experience, allowing visitors to explore and purchase a wide range of handicraft souvenirs.
MG Road, Bengaluru
The handicrafts armlet in MG Road stands out for its rich selection of traditional and contemporary crafts from various parts of India. It offers a rich and varied shopping experience, allowing visitors to explore and purchase unique handmade items that reflect the diverse cultural heritage of India. The Cauvery Karnataka State Arts and Crafts Emporium features an extensive collection of authentic handicrafts, including sandalwood carvings, rosewood furniture, traditional silk sarees, and handmade jewellery.
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New Market, Kolkata
New Market in Kolkata, is a renowned shopping destination with a vibrant section dedicated to handicrafts. The market offers an extensive range of handicrafts including textiles. Jewellery, pottery, leather goods, woodwork, and metal crafts. Each item reflects the unique craftsmanship and cultural heritage of different regions of India. Popular handicraft items at Newmarket are Kantha stitch, Baluchari Sarees, Dokra Art, Sholapith items, and Pattachira.
Ekamra Haat, Bhubaneswar
Ekamra Haat in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a vibrant crafts village designed to showcase and promote the rich handicrafts and handlooms of Odisha and other parts of India. Modelled on the concept of a traditional haat(marketplace), Ekamra Haat offers visitors an opportunity to experience the diverse artistic heritage of the region in a picturesque setting. The market features colourful applique work from Pipili, which includes items like lampshades, wall hangings, and canopies. Ekamra Haat is open throughout the year, with the evenings and weekends being particularly lively.
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MG Road, Gangtok
MG Road in Gangtok is known for its vibrant handicrafts market, offering a variety of traditional Sikkimese crafts and local specialities. These are intricate Tibetan Buddhist scroll paintings depicting deities, mandalas, and scenes from Buddhist mythology. They are often hand-painted on cotton or silk and are highly valued for their spiritual significance and artistic detail.
Iewduh Market, Shillong
Iewduh, also known as Bara Bazar, is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Shillong. It offers a variety of locally produced handicrafts typical of Meghalaya and the northeastern region of India. This includes handwoven textiles, bamboo and cane products, traditional jewellery, and wood carvings. Meghalaya is known for its skilled craftsmanship in bamboo and cane. Items such as baskets, mats, furniture, and decorative pieces made from these materials can be found here. Are you ready with your shopping list already? Remember, these handicraft markets with their unique charm and specialities, provide a platform for our artisan communities to showcase their skills while also allowing visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage of India. Now that you have been through this extensive list, we hope we have answered your question, “ Where to buy handicrafts in India?”
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