‘Hunar Haat’, the minority affairs ministry’s initiative to generate employment for master artisans, will make a comeback on October 9 in Prayagraj with the theme of ‘local to global’ and a focus on indigenous toys.

More than 30 per cent stalls will be for artisans who prepare indigenous toys, the ministry said.

What is ‘Hunar Haat’?

‘Hunar Haats’ are organised by the minority affairs ministry in which master artisans, craftsmen and culinary experts from across the country participate. Stalls are set up with indigenous exquisite handmade products and traditional delicacies. 

The ministry has organised more than two dozen ‘Hunar Haats’ so far across the country.

Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that ‘Hunar Haat’ has provided employment opportunities to more than five lakh Indian artisans, craftsmen, culinary experts in the last five years and has become a credible brand of rare exquisite indigenous handmade products.

Focus on ‘swadeshi toys’

PM Modi recently pitched for ‘swadeshi toys’ and advocated ‘vocal for local toys’. 

Every corner of the country is endowed with various kinds of indigenous toys made with wood, brass, bamboo, glass, cloth, paper, clay, etc. ‘Hunar Haat’ will be a platform providing a market and opportunities to master artisans who prepare these indigenous exquisite toys.

The artisans will be extended help through various institutions for attractive packaging of ‘swadeshi toys’.

People will also be able to buy ‘Hunar Haat’ products online. The ministry is registering these artisans and their indigenous products on Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

Several export promotion councils have shown interest to provide international markets on a large scale for handmade indigenous products of these artisans and craftsmen.

‘Hunar Haat’ will be organised in Jaipur (October 23-November 1), Chandigarh (November 7-15), Indore ( November 21-29), Mumbai (December 22-31), Hyderabad (January 8-17, 2021), Lucknow (January 23-31, 2021), India Gate, New Delhi (February 13-21, 2021), Ranchi (February 20-28, 2021), Kota (March 5-14, 2021), and Surat/Ahmedabad (March 20-27, 2021).

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