As I sit to write this, my heart is heavy, my hands tremble, and my mind replays the vibrant colors of Dilli Haat now reduced to smoldering wreckage. I am a Madhubani artist, a keeper of Mithila’s ancient storytelling through intricate lines and vivid hues. For me, Dilli Haat was not just a marketplace—it was a sacred space, a cultural heartbeat where artisans like me poured our souls into creations that carried the weight of our heritage.
The fire that ravaged over 30 stalls on April 30, 2025, didn’t just destroy goods worth crores; it incinerated decades of dreams, livelihoods, and the irreplaceable artistry of my fellow craftspeople. I am shattered, yet I feel compelled to share my anguish and hope for a better tomorrow.
Dilli Haat has been the cornerstone of my career. I still remember the first time I walked through its bustling lanes, my eyes wide with wonder at the kaleidoscope of crafts—Kashmiri shawls, Rajasthani pottery, and, most profoundly, the Madhubani paintings that spoke to my soul. It was here, surrounded by the work of fellow Madhubani artists, that I found my calling. Their intricate depictions of mythology, nature, and life inspired me to pick up my brush and tell my own stories. Over the years, Dilli Haat became my stage, where I showcased my art, connected with buyers, and felt the pride of representing Bihar’s rich tradition. Just last year, in my TEDx talk at Amity University, I spoke of Dilli Haat as a beacon for artisans—a place that gave us dignity, visibility, and a chance to sustain our craft in a world that often overlooks traditional art. To think that this haven is now a charred memory breaks me.
The news of the fire hit me like a physical blow. I saw the videos circulating on social media—flames leaping into the night, artisans standing helplessly as their life’s work turned to ash. I thought of Nitin Kumar, a fellow Madhubani artist, who lost half his inventory, painstakingly created over months. I thought of Rafiq Ansari, whose brass idols from Moradabad melted in the inferno. I thought of Haqeem Sajid, whose Kashmiri shawls, each a testament to years of skill, were gone in 22 minutes. These are not just losses of goods; they are losses of identity, of hope, of the very essence of who we are as artisans. For me, every Madhubani painting is a piece of my heart—a story of my ancestors, my culture, my struggles. To imagine those stories consumed by fire is unbearable.
My anguish is deepened by knowing that this tragedy could have been prevented. Shopkeepers have long pointed to the lack of fire safety measures at Dilli Haat. Expired or malfunctioning fire extinguishers, flammable materials like fiber and polythene used in stalls, locked emergency exits, and poor access for fire tenders were all accidents waiting to happen. Ram Kumar Yadav, another Madhubani artisan, rightly said, “If the shops had been built with safer materials, this might not have happened.” The Delhi Tourism Department manages Dilli Haat and must answer for this negligence. How could a cultural landmark, hosting 150,000 visitors daily, be so unprepared? How could the dreams of artisans, who travel from remote corners of India to sustain their craft, be so carelessly endangered?
I implore the government—both Delhi and central—to act with urgency and empathy. First, compensate the affected artisans fully and promptly. The losses are not just financial; they are emotional and cultural. Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra has promised compensation and an investigation into the fire’s cause, but words must translate into action. Artisans like Kuldeep Kumar, who lost chikankari kurtas worth Rs 80–85 lakh, or Ajai Shahu, whose jewelry worth Rs 70–80 lakh vanished, cannot wait months for relief. Second, Dilli Haat’s infrastructure should be restored with fire-resistant materials, functional extinguishers, accessible emergency exits, and regular safety audits. This must be a priority to ensure such a tragedy never recurs. Third, honor Dilli Haat’s original vision as a haven for genuine artisans, not traders or middlemen. The yellow-ribbon campaign by Dastkari Haat Samiti has long fought for this, and now is the time to listen.
Founder President, Dastakari Haat Samiti, Jaya Jaitly’s recent article captures this decline with honesty and clarity. I fully support her call to action. This tragedy must not be brushed aside with superficial fixes. Dilli Haat is more than a market to me; it’s a tapestry of India’s soul, woven by the hands of artisans who keep our traditions alive. My connection to this place runs deep—it’s where I found inspiration, community, and purpose. I cannot bear the thought of it remaining closed, its gates sealed, its spirit silenced. I urge the government to rebuild the physical space and the trust and hope of every artisan who calls Dilli Haat home. Let this fire be a lesson, a call to protect our cultural heritage with the care it deserves. Let us rise from these ashes, brushes in hand, ready to repaint our stories.
With a heavy heart and unwavering resolve
Vidushini Prasad, A Madhubani Artist
About Dilli Haat:
Located on Sri Aurobindo Marg in South Delhi, Dilli Haat has firmly established itself as one of India’s most iconic cultural and commercial hubs, drawing locals, tourists, and artisans alike. Its journey to prominence is a story of vision, collaboration, and a unique blend of tradition and contemporary charm.
Dilli Haat was established in 1994 as a joint initiative by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), the Government of Delhi, and the Ministries of Textiles and Tourism, Government of India.
The concept, championed by craft activist Jaya Jaitly, founder of the Dastkari Haat Samiti, aimed to empower rural artisans by connecting them directly with urban consumers, bypassing exploitative middlemen. This foundational principle resonated strongly with both creators and customers.
Unlike traditional temporary weekly “haats”, Dilli Haat was conceived as a permanent yet dynamic marketplace. It successfully brought the vibrancy of rural India—its crafts, cuisine, and culture—into the heart of the metropolis. This fusion appealed immensely to Delhiites and tourists seeking authentic Indian experiences.
Sources: Information drawn from web reports on the Dilli Haat fire, including New Indian Express, The Indian Express, and LocalSamosa, as well as posts on X reflecting artisan sentiments.
