The Heart Makers Market at Welcomhotel, Chennai from 21st - 22nd December 2024

Last-minute preparations are in full swing as I finish the artworks I’ll display this weekend at the By Hand From The Heart Makers Market at Welcomhotel, Chennai!

Come celebrate creativity, passion, and handmade goodness under one roof. This 2-day exhibition brings together 52 talented makers and artists, offering unique, wholesome finds and hands-on creative workshops.

Dates: 21st - 22nd Dec '24 (Sat-Sun)
Time: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Venue: Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road, Chennai
Entry: Free 

There's so much to explore, from vibrant Madhubani art to soulful handmade creations. I’d love to see you there—let’s make this weekend one to remember! 

Festival of Handmade by A Hundred Hands at Freedom Park, Bangalore!

What an incredible week it has been at the Festival of Handmade by A Hundred Hands at Freedom Park, Bangalore!

The joy of being surrounded by passionate supporters of handmade art is truly unmatched. Meeting new faces, reconnecting with old friends, and watching so many of you embrace my Madhubani creations filled my heart with gratitude.

This past week, I spent nothing short of extraordinary at the Festival of Handmade by A Hundred Hands at Freedom Park, Bangalore. As an artist, moments like these remind me why I do what I do—to create, to share, and to connect through the timeless beauty of handmade art.

Freedom Park was a new and vibrant venue for this year's festival, and it truly lived up to its name. It offered open, inviting spaces for creativity to flourish, welcoming a diverse crowd from all walks of life. Children with curious eyes, young adults eager to learn about traditional crafts and seniors with their nostalgia stories—it was a beautiful tapestry of people brought together by a shared love for handmade art.

I was honored to showcase various Madhubani creations, from intricately hand-painted sling bags and sarees to vibrant artworks on paper and canvas. Each piece, painstakingly crafted with love and inspired by the rich heritage of Madhubani art, found its audience. I felt immense joy every time someone connected with my work—whether it was the curious child marveling at the intricate details of a painting or the thoughtful collector taking home a new addition to their gallery.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the festival was the conversations. Many of you came to my stall not just to browse but to engage—to ask about the stories behind the motifs, the techniques I use, and the traditions that inspire my work. These exchanges are invaluable to me. They’re a reminder that art is not just a visual medium but a bridge—connecting people, generations, and cultures.

I was especially touched by those of you who follow my journey on social media and took the time to visit. Seeing familiar faces, hearing your words of encouragement, and knowing that my art resonates with you means the world to me. For those who walked away with a piece of my Madhubani art, thank you for giving it a home. Each artwork carries a piece of my heart and a story waiting to unfold with you.

This festival also allowed me to meet other artists and artisans, each bringing their unique craft. The energy in the air was electric—a collective celebration of creativity, skill, and sustainability. I’m grateful to the team at A Hundred Hands for organizing such a remarkable event. They’ve created not just a platform for artists like me but a community where handmade art and its makers are truly celebrated.

From intricate sling bags to hand-painted sarees and vibrant artwork, each piece found a home where it will be cherished. Your love and appreciation fuel my journey to keep this traditional art alive in meaningful ways.

A big shoutout to the organizers for creating this beautiful platform celebrating craftsmanship and sustainability. Here's to art, stories, and shared connections that make festivals like this unforgettable.

To my incredible followers and supporters: thank you for showing up, not just for me but for handmade art. Your love and encouragement fuel my passion and motivate me to explore new horizons with Madhubani. This festival was more than just an event; it was a testament to handmade creations' enduring beauty and relevance.

Here’s to more festivals, more art, and more shared moments. Until next time, stay inspired and keep celebrating handmade things!

Thank you for all your support, love, and conversations—each moment will stay with me!

Handloom Fair at Whitefield: A Successful Day Amidst the Rain

After a long break, I finally returned to Whitefield to participate in the much-awaited Handloom Fair, and I couldn't be happier with the response. Despite the unpredictable weather, the event turned out to be a fantastic opportunity to showcase my Madhubani creations and reconnect with art lovers in the community.

The highlight of the day was witnessing many first-time buyers of Madhubani art. While some visitors were already familiar with the beauty and intricacy of the art form, others were discovering it for the first time. It was a reminder that, despite Madhubani’s rich history, there’s still a need to raise awareness about this unique art form. I spent time explaining its significance, and it was fulfilling to see the curiosity and interest it sparked in new audiences.

What truly stood out was the overwhelming response to the silk items in my collection. The vibrant hand-painted Madhubani sarees and dupattas, particularly those on Tussar and Chanderi silk, drew significant attention. The crowd, mainly young tech professionals from leading global companies in Bengaluru, showed a deep appreciation for traditional handloom products. It was also heartening to see some familiar faces—loyal supporters of art who have followed my work over the years.

The venue, Namma Ashram in Whitefield, was the perfect setting for the event. Thanks to the founder of Trikala Arts for organizing such a wonderful fair. The space was easily accessible and provided a warm, community-driven atmosphere, making the experience even more enjoyable. Just as the day was wrapping up, the skies opened up with heavy rain. Fortunately, I managed to pack up in time, avoiding any damage to the art.

Overall, the Handloom Fair was a wonderful experience, and I’m grateful for the positive response from both new buyers and long-time supporters. The event highlighted the enduring appeal of Madhubani art and handloom products, even among the younger, tech-savvy crowd. I look forward to continuing this journey of promoting Indian art and textiles, and hopefully, more such opportunities in Whitefield will follow soon.

Until next time, let’s continue celebrating the beauty of handloom and the timeless art of Madhubani!

Reflecting on the Festival of Handmade: A Memorable Experience

The Festival of Handmade by A Hundred Hands was a remarkable success, and I’m filled with gratitude as I reflect on the five incredible days at the event. Despite the rain, the response was overwhelming, with visitors of all ages flocking to my stall to explore my Madhubani art collection. I showcased various Madhubani creations, including paintings, journals, sarees, dupattas, and stoles.

One of the most thrilling aspects of the event was the diverse crowd that attended, including international visitors who were eager to learn about Indian folk art. The unexpected charm of the Enigma concert, held at the same venue, added a unique and exciting element to the evening. As the music filled the air, I welcomed several surprise visitors who wandered in from the concert to explore the exhibition, leading to spontaneous interactions and purchases.

A true highlight for me was the support of my community—over 25 of my Instagram followers, and fans came to visit me, some traveling specifically for the event. Meeting them in person was an honor and a testament to the deep connection we’ve built through my art. Their kind words and encouragement were a huge motivation, and I’m thankful for each one of them.

This event wasn’t just about showcasing my work and connecting with fellow artists from various art forms across India, like Gond, Pichwai, Kalamkari, Rajasthani Miniature, and others. I managed to sit down with several of them for short interviews about their craft, and it was inspiring to hear their stories and see how each of us contributes to preserving the rich heritage of Indian handmade traditions.

The Festival of Handmade was not just an exhibition but a celebration of art, culture, and community. The energy, the conversations, and the surprises along the way made this event unforgettable. I look forward to continuing this journey of connecting with more art lovers and fellow creators in the future!

About Hundred Hands: Year after year, the 100 Hands fair is eagerly anticipated by everyone with a penchant for one-of-a-kind, specially crafted curios, fabrics, home décor and accessories. Founded by sisters Sonia and Mala Dhawan, the Festival of Handmade, also known as 100 Hands by regular visitors, began in 2010 as an initiative to give artisans nationwide a platform to become financially viable. Mala says their aim has been to foster “a sense of collective and a community of people whose livelihood depends on handmade.”

The Festival of Handmade showcased an exquisite collection of diverse art forms across India, focusing on West Bengal's rich crafts. Visitors explored a double section featuring the revival of Jamdani and Baluchori textiles, exquisite linen and handlooms. Notable contributors included Manas Ghorai, Pallu Weaves, and Yuti Handlooms—a must-see for art enthusiasts.

This year marked the introduction of Santhal Tribal art, a revival project by the Daricha Foundation, alongside award-winning artist Swarna Chitrakar, who brought her unique Kalighatti art and melodious voice for the first time.

From Andhra Pradesh, Kondapalli toys handcrafted by S. Satyanarayan evoked nostalgia and reflected India's timeless cultural heritage.

Gujarat’s offerings included beautiful traditional Kutch pottery, exquisite Kutchi embroideries like Suf, Kharek, and Paako, and copper bell metal gongs.

Visitors also discovered stunning handmade items from Kashmiri artisans, featuring intricate paper mache, enamel painting, Aari embroidery, and luxurious Pashmina and Kani shawls.

Rajasthan's rich artistic heritage shone through with Pichwai paintings, marble dust artworks, and an exciting range of weaves and prints, including stunning menswear.

Karnataka textiles were well-represented, showcasing traditional Kasuti and Bidri crafts alongside modern Bangalore-based creations, embodying a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation.

Lastly, Manish of Drywood Studios brought an elegant style of woodworking to the festival, celebrating the natural contours and beauty of wood in his unique collection

Thank you to everyone who came by, and a special thanks to A Hundred Hands for organizing such a vibrant and meaningful event.

Join me, at the Festival of Handmade by A Hundred Hands 2024 in Bangalore,

 Join me, at the Festival of Handmade by A Hundred Hands 2024 in Bangalore, where I’ll be showcasing my latest collection of hand-painted Madhubani creations.

From traditional Mithila art to contemporary designs, explore a unique range of products, including sarees, dupattas, stoles, wall plates, journals, clutches, keyholders, and more!

🗓 Event Dates: October 2-6, 2024
📍 Venue: Jayamahal Palace Hotel, Bangalore

Stay tuned for more updates on my journey as an artist, and don't forget to like, comment, and follow mefor insights into the world of Madhubani art!

Upcoming Event: Festival of Handmade by A Hundred Hands

 Date: 2nd - 6th October 2024
 Venue: Jayamahal Palace Hotel, Bangalore
 Time: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

I will showcase a unique collection of her exclusive Madhubani artworks at the Festival of Handmade by A Hundred Hands. This event celebrates traditional craftsmanship, and my hand-painted sarees, journals, and other creations reflect the intricate beauty of Mithila art. Each piece has been crafted exclusively for this festival, making it a unique opportunity for art lovers and collectors.

Attendees will have the chance to experience and own one-of-a-kind artworks that highlight the rich heritage of Indian folk art. Our collection is perfect for anyone looking for something special, and this is an event not to be missed!

Vaidehi Sita, the exhibition, curated for the Bihar Museum’s Foundation Day on August 7, 2024

Chinki Sinha, Editor of Outlook in conversation with Director of Bihar Museum Anjani Kumar Singh, as a part of Outlook Talks on the occasion of Vaidehi Sita, the exhibition, curated for the museum’s foundation day on August 7, 2024

From Outlook: In a world dominated by images of men and gods, Baua Devi of Jitwarpur village of Madhubani district in Bihar was trying to paint a scene from Sita’s childhood where a young Sita picks up a bow and her father looks at her with awe. It was too heavy for a young girl and yet, she picked it up. Thirty-five artists, mostly women who do traditional Madhubani and Manjusha paintings and Sujani art, had come to Bihar Museum to depict scenes from the life of Sita, who they consider Bihar’s daughter and an ecofeminist and a woman who personified dignity and empowerment.

Vaidehi Sita, the exhibition, curated for the museum’s foundation day on August 7, is a brave endeavour because of the politicisation of Lord Ram in recent times. Sita, who was married to him, was eventually abandoned and for artists like Shanti Devi and Dulari Devi, it was a betrayal.

For them, Sita’s story is what many women must see and hear and break free from everything that shackles them. Outlook speaks with Anjani Kumar Singh, the director of Bihar Museum, about the exhibition and the coming together of artists, many of whom belong to lower castes who weren’t allowed to paint the images of Ram and Sita up until the 1980s.