An exhibition of Indian craft traditions at National Crafts Museum

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), in collaboration with Craftroots, has launched Shrijan – The Birth of a Craft, an exhibition currently on display at the Innovation Gallery within Textile Gallery II: Tradition and Innovation, at the National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.The exhibition presents a visual exploration of India’s craft traditions through a modern lens.Curated by Sunil Sethi, Shrijan brings together textile, fashion, craft, and art to narrate the journey of craftsmanship—from its origin to its evolution. Each installation symbolically represents stages of life, creation, and emotion, reflecting the essence of artisanal work.Craftroots, an Ahmedabad-based collective founded by Anar Patel began as a skill development initiative for underprivileged women and has since grown into a movement supporting over 35,000 artisans across India. It aims to preserve traditional crafts while empowering communities through partnerships with NGOs and a focus on ethical trade.Amrit Raj from the Ministry of Textiles emphasised the government’s commitment to promoting crafts and supporting artisans across regions. She highlighted the importance of platforms like this exhibition in showcasing diverse traditions. "At the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, our objective is to consistently promote crafts and support artisans across the country. Each region offers its own distinct perspective and tradition, and through ongoing exhibitions at the National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy, we aim to provide a platform for these voices. This particular showcase, led by Craftroots and curated by Sunil Sethi of the Fashion Design Council of India, brings together elements of fashion, craft, art, and culture. It serves as a visual expression of Indian craftsmanship, and we remain committed to highlighting the diversity and skills found incommunities across the country," said Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). Sunil Sethi noted that the installations reflect the labour, care, and transformation involved in craft-making, while Anar Patel described the works as expressions of emotion and life, rooted in heritage. “Together, the rich cultural significance of India is embedded in its ancient relics, each depicting stories of heritage and craftsmanship. Gujarat, a state brimming with vibrancy and liveliness, pays homage to classic hand embroideries, techniques, and crafts that embody modesty. These art installations visually narrate the intricate labour and love involved in the creation of each piece, reflecting a metamorphic exquisiteness in contemporary form,” said Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI. The exhibition is open to the public until the first week of June, from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.