Mumbai : The crafts of India are diverse, rich in history and religion. The history of handicrafts in India is ancient, dating back almost 5000 years. Throughout centuries, crafts have been embedded as a culture and tradition within rural communities. To take the same legacy ahead and create the awareness amongst Indians, Ministry of Textiles has organized series of fashion show with a twist of quiz in various cities New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and now comes to Mumbai.

Mr S. S. Gupta, Development Commissioner of Handicraft believes that handicraft is part of our culture and rich tradition of our country. “We are trying to make this infotainment format, which will sensitize the people of India about our rich heritage of the artisans.” Adding further he said, “Secretary of Textiles Smt Zohra Chatterji believes that this event is a tribute to 69 lakhs artisans who toil hard to preserve and promote handicrafts.”

The programme received encouraging response from the handicraft loving enthusiasts who turned up in several hundreds to support the event. The whole idea of this event is to attract the youths and promoting the use of handicraft in unique programme in Mumbai, where fashion show and quiz will be blended together.

On this occasion Mr Anubhav Mittal said, “There is a rising concern of the dying art which at one point of time was the pride of the nation. We are glad that Mrs Sangita Kapoor and Mr Winner Bindra are supporting us for this initiative and share their knowledge on the handicraft in India.”

The show stopper for the fashion show will be acclaimed quiz master, Barry O Brien who has hosted more than 2500 quiz shows across the country. Barry said that for him this fusion of quiz and sashaying in the ramp is a new experience.

Artisans from different states will share the dais to narrate the history behind the handicrafts products. To display these products, the organizing team has identified local talent on stage and back stage post audition to give them a platform on a large scale.

The designer for the event will be Ms Yana Ngoba and the event will be choreographed by Mr Samit Shetty along with Mr Sadeep Shetty. The event is scheduled on January 10, 2014 at 8.00 pm at Kashinath Ghanekar Auditorium, Thane.

Indian handicraft exports for April-January 2012-13 grew from US$ 1,889 million in April-January 2011-12 to US$ 2,306 million, a rise of 22.08 percent.

Source : Sachin Murdeshwar