Taking heart from the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions imposed over the past few months, KHAMIR, short for Kachchh Heritage, Art, Music, Information and Resources, is organising a 10-day fair in Delhi in collaboration with Dastkar.

Although largely known for its colourful embroidered fabrics, used to make dresses, accessories and decorative items, Kutch (also Kachch) in Gujarat is also known for many other handmade crafts, often the domain of a particular ethnic group. For example, the once nomadic Vadha community are experts in making lacquered goods. Dalit Meghawal families from Rajasthan settled in Kutch many years ago. Expert in leather crafts, today they make designer shoes and open-toe sandals which can be a part of any fashion ensemble. Other groups are known for their artistic expertise in metal bell chimes, silver ware, pottery, etc.

Registered in 2005, KHAMIR has been working to promote traditional handicrafts and allied cultural practices, and spreading awareness about the processes involved in their creation, and the preservation of culture, community and local environments.

Called Nature 2020, the fair organised by them in Delhi will be selling many of these handcrafted products. Craftspeople across the world, like many others, have been badly affected by the pandemic crisis and the containment measures. Although many, including KHAMIR, have taken their exhibitions and product sales online, there is nothing like browsing through the crafts in person. And buying directly from the craftspeople will be a big support to them.

Nature 2020 will be held between September 18 and 28, from 11am to 6.30pm every day. You will be charged a per head Rs 30 fee for entering the venue (Anuvrat Marg, Kisan Haat, Andheria Modh, New Delhi).

The organisers have assured that all safety and hygiene protocols will be strictly enforced, including entry allowed after temperature checks, mandatory wearing of masks, hand sanitising, and maintaining prescribed distancing norms.