Bringing together beautiful artefacts, paintings and eco-friendly products from different parts of the country, “Gurgaon Haat” received an overwhelming response in the City. Organised by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), the Event was based on the concept of the popular Dilli Haat.
While the Haat turned out to be an educative outing for youngsters, it provided an opportunity to Gurgaonites to purchase items that could be used during the festive season. Sarika Yadav, who came from Sushant Lok III, explained, “Such exhibitions are a great platform for the poor craftsmen and various NGOs. By participating, we are not only supporting the artisans financially, but in a way we are helping to protect various Indian art forms.”
Hailing from Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, the artisans displayed a variety of handicrafts, handlooms, paintings and artefacts. While a stall from the Capital displayed a fusion of contemporary and traditional work on skirts and kurtas, the Rewari stall put up by a village artisan offered ‘jutis’ for men and women. Ojshima Gifting Smiles showcased unique items made of stone, brass and clay; a miniature vintage car was the pick of the Collection. Amazingly, all the items were on offer for under Rs. 150. The jewellery section had a breathtaking collection of semi-precious stone items, silver pendants and stone bracelets and earrings. Besides, hand-woven jackets, block-printed bed sheets, marble artefacts, carpets and exclusive Khadi jackets were on display. To attract the young crowd, wraparound skirts, bandini churidar material and chikan-work kurtas were available too. “It is good that such items are being made available so close to our home. Earlier we used to go to Delhi for everything. I wish we had a permanent ‘Gurgaon Haat’ in the City,” said Sumit, a resident of DLF Phase II. He bought items worth Rs. 5,000.
Many NGOs also participated in the Haat. Mata Bhagwati Chadha Niketan (MBCN), a charitable school for children with special needs, displayed beautiful table covers and interesting sketches made by these special children. “We have over 800 children suffering from congenital, intellectual and physical problems. MBCN not only provides them education, but also offers skill development classes to teenagers. They are trained to make artefacts, which are sold in such exhibitions,” said Sumit Kumar Ghosh, a volunteer at MBCN. Himjoli, an NGO from Uttarakhand, showcased organic products. Apart from regular items, one could find unique herb pillows made of dried herbs that are used to scent a room, ‘aepan’ notebooks embellished with the traditional art of Uttarakhand and attractive silk boxes. Started with an aim to create sustainable jobs in Uttarakhand, Himjoli involves poor women in the manufacturing of such products. “In 2009 we realised that a large number of people in Uttarakhand were migrating to the cities, as there were no employment opportunities. So we decided to help create jobs in the villages. But we wanted to help them with trade, not aid,” said Hemant Ghildiyal, Business Head, Himjoli. The NGO has a vast distribution system in Uttarakhand, Delhi and Bangalore. One of the best selling products of Himjoli is Apricot Oil, which is appreciated for its quality. A visitor, Dharam Singh, said, “I have come here just to buy Himjoli’s Apricot Oil, as I have heard a lot about it. I used to order it from their Delhi store. I have bought six packs.”
Unique paintings
The highlight of the Haat was a unique painting stall put up by artist B.L Rajpoot. A variety of his miniature paintings mesmerised the visitors, as they were made with natural colours extracted from stones. Interestingly, Rajpoot spends a lot of time in hunting for natural colours. “Every year I go to Vaishno Devi to collect a stone that gives me a natural indigo colour. No artificial colour can match the colours obtained from these stones,” he said. Rajpoot keeps the colours in natural shells and uses a painting brush made with the hair of squirrels. A painting of Lord Krishna, adorned with all embellishments, struck a unique chord with the visitors, as it was made with unique colours and pure gold and silver filigrees. Rajpoot’s work ranges from ancient Indian to Mughal paintings. Sumit, a visitor, commented, “Such paintings are much sought after in the international market, as the natural colours always look better than artificial colours. I am glad that INTACH has provided an opportunity to Rajpoot, who doesn’t have enough funds to participate in larger exhibitions and fairs. This would also help youngsters to appreciate this unique art, for which you have to spend years looking for colours in different locations around the world.”
Future plans
Talking about the plans to establish a permanent ‘Gurgaon Haat’, Atul Dev, Convener, INTACH-Gurgaon Chapter said, “The two-day Event was held to give the residents an idea about what could be a permanent set up in the City. The aim was to whet the appetite of Gurgaonites for such products, as well as to support the needy artisans.” The artisans who participated in this Haat would be given temporary stalls, for a short duration, at the permanent Gurgaon Haat.
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