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India has a rich cultural heritage and different traditions that vary from one state to another. These cultures and traditions needed to be preserved and promoted in order to embrace the roots of ancient India. There are many hidden talents and skilful people in India like artisans, culinary experts, etc who require a platform to express and exhibit their products and ideas all over the globe. Therefore, the Government of India organised an initiative named ‘Hunar Haat’ that allows a forum for these artistic people to introduce and share their beautiful pieces of art and crafts.
Hunar Haat
Hunar Haat is a scheme organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs to provide the artisans or craftsmen of India with a large platform to showcase their expertise and explore employment opportunities. It is managed by the ‘Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts or Crafts for Development (USTAAD)’ programme. Hunar Haat has promoted many opportunities contributing to the visions like Empowerment Exchange, Development with Dignity, Vocal for local and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Hunar Haat has made possible the establishment of a reliable brand of indigenous Indian artisans.
This programme also implemented the initiative to bring Indian craftsmen to the forefront through the ‘Local to Global movement.’ Hunar Haat plays a key role in branding and promotion of India’s Master artisans and gives knowledge to the rural or tribal craft experts about the markets, purchasing and income generation.
21st Edition of Hunar Haat
- The 21st edition of Hunar Haat of the Union Minority Affairs Ministry was held from 29th February to 08th March 2020. It was organised in Jharkhand.
- This edition of Hunar Haat was mainly focused on ensuring that the common people become part of the mainstream economic development.
- Its aim was to provide a magnificent platform to understand India’s cultural heritage under one roof and provide a market for the nation’s indigenous legacy of handmade crafts.
Hunar Haat in Harmu Chowk, Ranchi
The Ministry of Minorities Affair has organised 21 Hunar Haat so far across India and the 21st one was at Ranchi’s maiden 9- day ‘Hunar Haat’ on Sunday at Harmu Chowk of the State Capital. It was jointly inaugurated by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda and Union Minister for Minorities Affair Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. The aim of the occasion was to encourage and provide national and global exposure to the artistic and creative craftsmen of the minority community. Abbas Naqvi stated that Hunar Haat has ensured Work for Skill that is ‘Kaushal ko Kaam’ and given international recognition to the legacy of Indian arts and crafts. He said that the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Hunar Haat in New Delhi gave a significant boost and motivation to artisans and especially women artisans from across the country.
125 stalls were set up in Ranchi and more than 250 artisans including men and women participated in it. They brought rare handmade indigenous products from different parts of the country. The visitors really enjoyed the traditional delicacies from various different states throughout the programme. Arjun Munda said that the exhibition provides international market opportunities to the Indian artisans and visitors can get knowledge of India’s cultural heritage under one roof. The Minister of Minority Affairs and Tribal Affairs has initiated a process of registration of these artisans and their products on the ‘Government e-Marketplace’ (GeM) for promoting the products to several international markets by notifying the export promotion council. Training is also provided by the Indian Packaging Institute for these craftsmen in order to improve their skills in attractive packaging methods.
Outcomes of the Hunar Haat
A large number of women artisans were provided with employment. The women artisans who participated in Hunar Haat Ranchi were felicitated. The scheduling of the next Hunar Haat was declared to be organised in Chandigarh and subsequently followed by Gurugram, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata.
Conclusion
The artistic people all over India need to be given special consideration for preserving and promoting our traditional arts and crafts. They are influencing the world to know more about India’s rich heritage. Hunar Haat is an effective platform for these craftsmen to exhibit their talents and gain more benefits for themselves and the nation. It has provided empowerment for many women who have good hands in artistic skills.
The exchanges and purchases of indigenous handmade products on a large scale have proved to be immensely encouraging for minority communities. Hunar Haat has been a successful mission in uplifting so many master artisans and culinary experts and providing income generation opportunities. The people involved in traditional ancestral work have also been motivated to upgrade their skills and bring innovative products in their own way.
