Tribal fest brings back shoppers to Dilli Haat

After months of lull, visitors are back at Dilli Haat, INA, as the ongoing fest, Aadi Mahotsav, has been the crowd-puller. The annual 15-day festival, which is being organised by Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), brings across diverse craft, culture of the tribal communities from across the country. Handicrafts, paintings, fabrics, jewellery and craft are on display at 200 stalls that are part of the festival.Over 1,000 tribal artisans and artistes are participating in the festival, which also features folk performances by the artistes.

Back to business: For sellers, who have come from different states, the fest is the first big business opportunity that has come to them after the lockdown. Most of the sellers at the fest say that they are participating in an exhibition after a gap of one year. Jitender, a seller from Banswara in Rajasthan, says, “After the lockdown, I have come to Delhi for the first time to participate in any exhibition. I was not able to travel anywhere last year due to the pandemic and there was no business. I am happy to see that shoppers are coming here and are also interested in wooden archery material that I am selling. I am hoping that I would be able to sell at least 60% of my products here.” Another seller of handicrafts from Rajasthan adds, “It is good to see that shoppers have started to come out and are open to buying handicrafts. This gives us some hope for our businesses.”


Tribal treats: Visitors at the fest say that it is perfect for family outings. “As we know that there are still not many events happening in Delhi and keeping safety in mind, we still think twice about going out with elders and kids. But as this is an open-air festival, one feels safe. Also, we can maintain social distancing. One can shop here, see folk performances and also sample food from different states. So, I decided to come with my family here for a day picnic,” says Aastha Sharma, a resident from Greater Kailash I, a visitor at the fest.