When Rivers of Creativity Streamed through the Heart of Bangalore -

The recently-held XVII Edition of The Festival of Handmade by A Hundred Hands brought together more than 200 groups of craftspeople from across India at Jayamahal Palace Hotel, Bangalore. With “The River Collection” theme, artisans drew inspiration from the rivers of India – their form, colours, landscapes, flora and fauna. Brimming with textiles, jewellery, homeware, accessories and décor items among others, it struck the right chord with the upcoming festivities and the wintery mood round the corner.

Bright blue streamers breezed overhead, perfectly complementing the warm, partially cloudy azure sky of Bangalore just as winters are about to set in. After a musical welcome by traditional percussionists, the visitors were beckoned by the iconic hand-shaped installation to add their personal handwritten notes. The place was beaming with cheerful faces of stall holders standing behind their artistic displays, eager to present and sell their handcrafted products. The recently-held XVII Edition of The Festival of Handmade by A Hundred Hands at Jayamahal Palace Hotel, Bangalore brought together more than 200 craftspeople groups from 26 Indian states. The products ranged from homeware and accessories to textiles, jewellery, décor and items of everyday personal use.

The theme this year was The River Collection. Artisans used the rivers of India – their shapes and form, colours, landscapes, flora and fauna – as their inspiration. Mala Dhawan, Founder Trustee, A Hundred Hands says, “We chose the Rivers of India as the theme because like craft, rivers connect people and geographies and carry stories. In this special collection, they connect different craft languages, revealing how one idea can take many unexpected forms in the hands of different makers. Through experiments in form, colour, material and technique, artisans have stretched their own creative boundaries to make work that is fresh, personal and represented of their skills.”

A Hundred Hands is a non-profit trust whose mission is to support those directly involved in the creation of handmade art, crafts and homemade foods, to earn a fair and sustainable livelihood from their work. Through festivals, collaborations and creative opportunities, it connects makers with audiences, encouraging new expressions of traditional skills.

As always, one the major highlights of the collective was the fashion show by Bangalore-based stylist and choreographer Prasad Bidapa, bringing craft and textiles to life on the runway. Open mic performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday added in thrill and an element of diversity to the exhibition experience. Another center of excitement brimming with colours and creativity was the workshop area,offering opportunity to try one’s hand at various skills. Some of them including Lippan work, sand terrariums, fluid art, pot painting, pottery and crochet garnered interest among youngsters and adults alike. Homemade refreshment counters were abuzz with people savoring their favourite food and relishing conversations with friends and family.