Monday, June 2, 2008

Delhi Haat, New Delhi, India


India Trip Feb 2008, originally uploaded by sunpreet28.

Dilli Haat is a combination food plaza and craft bazaar located in the heart of Delhi. Near All India Institute of Medical Sciences, opposite INA Market, Dilli Haat has stalls representing each state of India, giving complete variety of tastes available all over India. There are also stalls of crafts from all over India, and from a variety of cultural traditions of India. Around 2003, this market became fully wheelchair-accessible, including an accessible bathroom.[1][2][3] This is a relative rarity in India.

There are plans to open more Dilli Haats all over Delhi.

Unlike the traditional weekly market, the village Haat, Dilli Haat is permanent. Some shops are permanent but other sellers are rotatated, usually for fifteen days.[4] Products offered may include rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embellished camel hide footwear, sophisticated fabric and drapery, gems, beads, brassware, metal crafts, and silk and wool fabrics. Shows promoting handicrafts and handlooms are held at the exhibition hall in the complex. To sell wares, there is an application process and spaces are allocated according to which state the seller is from.[5]

There is a nominal entrance fee to shop at Dilli Haat.[

The craftsmen who are registered with D.C.Handicrafts are the ones who are eligible to find a place here. The 62 stalls selling handicrafts are allotted on a rotational basis to craftsmen who come from all corners of the vast & varied land of India at a payment of mere INR 100 per day for a maximum period of 15 Days. This ensures visitors buy authentic wares at prices that have not been inflated by high maintenance costs.

You can also savour the inimitable flavors of the delightful local foods from the various regions of India be it the momos from Sikkim or the Bamboos hot chicken from Nagaland, Kahwa & Kebabs from Jammu, Pooranpoli from Maharastra or the Gujrati Dhokla. As many as 25 food stalls offer you variety of foods served in an Eco friendly manner.

The DILLI HAAT provides the ambience of a traditional Rural Haat or village market, but one suited for more contemporary needs. Here one sees a synthesis of crafts, food ad cultural activity.

This Food and Craft Bazar is a treasure house of Indian culture, handicrafts and ethnic cuisine, A unique bazaar, in the heart of the city, it displays the richness of Indian culture on a permanent basis.

Steps inside the complex for an altogether delightful experience by either buying inimitable ethnic wares, savouring the delicacies of different states or by simply relaxing in the evening with the entire family.

DILLI HAAT transports you to the magical world of Indian art and heritage presented through a fascinating panorama of craft, cuisine and cultural activities.

While the village haat is mobile, flexible arrangement, here it is crafts persons who are mobile. The DILLI HAAT boasts of nearly 200 craft stalls selling native, utilitarian and ethnic products from all over the country.

An ambitious project, set up jointly by Delhi tourism and NDMC, D.C. (Handicrafts) & D.C. (handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India & Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India. It aims at providing encouragement to the needy artists from all over the country in order to sustain and preserve the rich heritage of India.

While allowing free interaction between buyers and sellers, the organizers favour a check on prices to keep them moderate.

Different and appealing, DILLI HAAT is located in one of the most important commercial centers of South Delhi, opposite INA market. The 6 acres of land on which this sprawling complex is situated was salvaged as part of a reclamation project and transformed into a magnificent dream plaza. Extensive foundation work, small thatched roof cottages and kiosks with a village atmosphere have made the place into an attractive multiple centers.


The word Haat refers to a weekly market in rural, semi-urban and sometimes even urban India.

DILLI HAAT is not just a market place; it has been visualized as a showpiece of traditional Indian culture- a forum where rural life and folk art are brought closer to an urban clientele.

It is here that the crafts persons find an opportunity to demonstrate their artistic skills to thousands of visitors everyday.

Since its inauguration in the month of March 1994, Dilli Haat has been home to nearly 50,000 handicraft and handloom artisans. The sales generated, so far, are estimated at Rupees three hundred crores.

The complex is not only artistic, but also recreational in nature where the entire family can have a good time.

It is a place where one can unwind in the evening and relish a wide variety of cuisine without paying the exhorbitant rates.

Besides an International Food Plaza there are 25 stalls dishing out sumptuous delicacies from different States and Union Territories; and Exhibition Hall; a Souvenir shop selling an assortment of small gift items; an assortment of small gift items; an open stage for cultural programmes and a playing area exclusively earmarked for children.

Architecture

The architectural features of the complex have been especially designed in the traditional north Indian style, with brickwork jail (lattice) and stone roofs.

A hall in the complex caters specifically to exhibitions of the handlooms and handicrafts. A souvenir shop, also displays attractive ethnic products.

The small thatched roof cottages and kiosks, without any concrete structures provide a village atmosphere.

The shops are set up on platforms, which act as a link in the Bazar design. The courtyards between the shops are paved in stone and interspaced with grass to retain a visual softness.

The landscaping of the area incorporates colourful flowering shrubs and trees, thus the entire complex is in harmony with the environment


Tickets

Cost of ticket is Rs.15/- for adult and Rs.5/- for child.


for more information, please contact
Delhi Haat,INA, Aurbindo Marg,
New Delhi
Ph: 011-26119055, 24678817

Delhi Haat, Pitam Pura (Near TV Tower),
New Delhi,
Ph: 011-64690443

My Visit to Delhi Haat was a good experience. I asked my buddy to buy the ticket for me and we went in the morning. Most of the shops were open but there were not a lot of tourists. All the stuff was from different states and once can buy things from different parts of India at this place. it had some nice collector items. I checked out various shops. There is some nice variety of clothes and I must say that bargaining is must. You have to be a professional bargainer or you end up paying a lot. 80 % of the people visit Delhi Haat is tourists from different countries, mostly Europeans.
I would also recommend going to Iskon Temple and Lotus Temple which is not too far from this place.

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