With an aim to revive old civilisational and creative links, Iranian craftspersons and artistes are showcasing a colourful melange of handloom, pottery and textile at an exhibition at Dilli Haat here.
The 31st Annual Dastkari Haat Craft Bazaar will also see artisans from Iran and India participating in crafts workshops where creative processes and live demonstrations will provide visitors a chance to interact, learn, appreciate and explore Iranian handicrafts and textiles.
The fortnight-long crafts bazaar which began this new year will also exhibit traditional Iranian crafts while focusing on the rich traditions of India, along with 200 popular works of art, crafts and textiles.
Iranian pottery pieces, metalworks in a variety of ornaments, decorative objects along with exotic carpets serve as major highlights of the festival.
The bazaar will also have cultural performances including by Baul singers and Chaau dance from Bengal.
"Considering that we are celebrating 60 years of India-Iran cultural ties that were renewed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Iran last year, I am sure exhibition and workshops of Iranian crafts will craft a new chapter in increasing cooperation between India and Iran in Textiles sector," Textile Minister Smriti Irani said.
"I generally do not see any difference between Indians and Iranians. I think Iran was the first country which initiated cultural exchange with India after Independence. This rich and ancient heritage has varied manifestations each of which displays the past pride and civilisation of India and Iran in its own way," Iran Ambassador to India Gholamreza Ansari said.
Jaya Jaitly, President of Dastkari Haat Samiti, said the event will give Indian craftsmen an understanding of Iranian art.
With the help of Iranian calligrapher Ali Kheiri, Indian artiste Jai Prakash Lakhiwal and calligrapher Rajeev Kumar, the Dastkari Haat Samiti will also come up with a book which will feature stories told by traditional storytellers and Modi's visit to Iran.
"The book will look like an old manuscript but will have contemporary stories which will be published by the end of the festival," Jaitly told PTI.
"This platform aims to provide inputs to the crafts sector in India while enhancing diplomatic ties at the ground level," she said.
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