DCI curates cultural evening for DC Handicrafts

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) recently curated Legacy of Craft for the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, at The Kunj — New Delhi’s newly inaugurated cultural destination celebrating India’s artisanal heritage. The evening combined design, craft, music, and dance in a multi-sensory showcase. At Karigar Sangam, visitors explored and purchased more than 100 handcrafted works by National Awardees, Shilp Gurus, and master artisans, highlighting the continued relevance of India’s craft traditions. A fashion presentation by Divyam Mehta, Payal Jain, Samant Chauhan, Suket Dhir, and Upāvita drew attention to heritage techniques such as Kantha, Chikankari, Bhagalpuri silk embroidery, hand block printing, Ikat, and Chanderi weaving.

The programme was enhanced with a live music performance and a Kathak recital, lending the evening a cultural depth. The event was attended by dignitaries including Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Smt. Neerja Sekhar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Mugdha Sinha (IAS, MD–ITDC), Smt. Shubhra, Trade Advisor, and Ms.

Apoorva Srivastava, Ambassador to the Slovak Republic. Speaking on the occasion, Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, noted, “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.

” Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, added, “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."