“The Kunj has been conceived as both a cultural beacon and a dynamic commercial hub. Through curated exhibitions, retail spaces, live demonstrations, and cultural programming, it will serve as a permanent destination to celebrate the spirit of ‘Handmade in India, Crafted for the World.” – Amrit Raj, DC (Handicrafts)
New Delhi’s cultural scene lit up recently when the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) curated “Legacy of Craft” for the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, at The Kunj, the city’s newly unveiled destination celebrating India’s artisanal brilliance.
From the moment guests stepped in, the evening felt less like an event and more like a journey, a journey into India’s craft traditions, where every corner whispered stories of heritage, creativity, and timeless artistry.
A Living Gallery of Indian Craft
The evening opened with Karigar Sangam, a vibrant space that brought together more than 100 masterpieces crafted by National Awardees, Shilp Gurus, and master artisans. Guests didn’t just view these treasures from afar; they could hold them, admire the details, and even purchase directly from the creators. Brands like Mirasi India showcased the most contemporary form of handloom by making jackets for global fashionistas. They have used fabrics like Kotpad, Kantha embroidery, raw silks and used detailing of leather to make it apt for Gen Z. The indigo collection by Aavaran was so soothing. That personal interaction made every piece feel alive, a reminder that India’s craft traditions aren’t relics of the past, but thriving legacies shaped by skilled hands.
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Fashion Meets Heritage
The spotlight then shifted to the runway, where Divyam Mehta, Payal Jain, Samant Chauhan, Suket Dhir, and Upāvita presented collections that were nothing short of breathtaking. Traditional techniques like Kantha, Chikankari, Bhagalpuri silk , hand block printing, Ikat, and Chanderi weaving were reimagined into contemporary silhouettes. It was fashion that didn’t just dress the body but told stories of villages, weavers, and generations of artistry.
The front rows were graced by dignitaries, including Smt. Neelam Shami Rao (Secretary, Ministry of Textiles), Smt. Neerja Sekhar (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting), Rohit Kansal (Additional Secretary, MOT), Mugdha Sinha (IAS – MD, ITDC), Smt. Shubhra (Trade Advisor) and Ms. Apoorva Srivastava (Ambassador to the Slovak Republic) further underscored the evening’s cultural significance.
When Art Forms Embrace Each Other
As the models walked, the air was filled with live music in the backdrop. A mesmerising Kathak recital added rhythm and grace, weaving another layer of tradition into the evening. Fashion, craft, love Ragas sung by Ujwal Nagar , and dance flowed together seamlessly, creating a cultural symphony that left the audience enchanted.
A Vision for the Future of Craft
Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, expressed the larger vision behind The Kunj:
The Kunj has been conceived as both a cultural beacon and a dynamic commercial hub. Through curated exhibitions, retail spaces, live demonstrations, and cultural programming, it will serve as a permanent destination to celebrate the spirit of ‘Handmade in India, Crafted for the World.’ ‘Legacy of Craft’ was a befitting event to this vision, showcasing how India’s timeless craft traditions continue to inspire and thrive.
Adding to that, Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, shared his thoughts:
The Kunj is a landmark initiative of DC Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, envisioned to spotlight India’s artisanal legacy. FDCI was delighted to curate ‘Legacy of Craft’ as part of this initiative, bringing together designers, artisans, and performers in one holistic evening of creativity. I was delighted to see people not just appreciating but also purchasing at Karigar Sangam and other shops, reaffirming the vitality of our crafts. The evening truly reflected how heritage, fashion, and culture can come together to create a meaningful experience.
