Chennai, Tamil Nadu: For the first time ever, Chennai will witness one of India’s largest celebrations of handmade traditions as Karigar Bazaar – Chennai Edition 2026 brings together over 200 artisans, master craftsmen, folk artists, traditional food makers and cultural performers from across the country.
Scheduled from 10 July to 19 July 2026 at Mantra Gardens, Nandanam Extension, Chennai, the event promises an immersive experience of authentic Indian craftsmanship, live cultural performances, hands-on workshops, artisan demonstrations and regional food traditions under one roof.
At a time when many exhibitions marketed as craft fairs increasingly feature mass-produced products, Karigar Bazaar stands apart as a platform dedicated exclusively to authentic handmade traditions and direct artisan participation.
Event Details
Venue: Mantra Gardens, Nandanam Extension, Chennai
Dates: 10 July – 19 July 2026
Timings: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Entry Ticket: ₹50
To make your experience smoother and more enjoyable, we recommend using Metro, Cab, Auto, or other public transport options while travelling to the venue. With limited parking available around the venue, public transport is the most convenient way to reach the bazaar.
Nearest Metro Station: Nandanam Metro Station
Chennai’s First Truly Artisan-Led Mega Craft Experience
Karigar Bazaar Chennai Edition will bring together more than 200 artisans, craft entrepreneurs and traditional makers from across India.
Nearly 80% of participating artisans will be visiting Chennai for the first time, making this a rare opportunity for visitors to interact directly with the makers behind India’s finest handmade traditions.
The event features:
National Award Winning Artisans
Master Craftsmen preserving generations-old traditions
Women-led Artisan Enterprises
Young Craft Entrepreneurs
Rural Artisan Communities representing traditional craft clusters
Visitors will discover a carefully curated selection of:
- Handloom & Textiles
- Chikankari, Kantha, Phulkari & Traditional Embroideries
- Madhubani, Gond, Pattachitra & Folk Paintings
- Handmade Jewellery & Accessories
- Sustainable Crafts & Eco-friendly Products
- Brassware, Ceramics & Home Décor
- Handmade Lifestyle Products
- Artisan Food Specialities
Live Cultural Performances & Folk Music Festival
One of the biggest attractions of Karigar Bazaar Chennai Edition will be its specially curated folk music and cultural performance series.
Rajasthan Folk Music Festival
10 July – 14 July 2026
For the first time in Chennai, celebrated folk artist Gazi Khan Manganiyar from Rajasthan’s renowned Manganiyar musical lineage will present traditional Rajasthani folk songs, desert melodies and cultural performances that have been preserved across generations.
Kabir Folk Music Series
15 July – 19 July 2026
Acclaimed young folk artist Ravidas Gangapari from Madhya Pradesh will bring the timeless poetry and philosophy of Saint Kabir to life through soulful folk renditions and contemporary interpretations.
Cultural Performance Timings
Daily from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy folk music performances, cultural storytelling sessions and interactions with artists from different parts of India.
Live Craft Demonstrations Throughout the Bazaar
Visitors will also be able to witness artisans practicing their craft live at various stalls throughout the venue.
Featured Demonstrations Include:
- Kolhapuri Chappal Making
- Wire Craft Art
- Traditional Hair Braiding Art
- Mandana Folk Art
- Papier-Mâché Craft
- Live Lac Bangle Making
- Sabai Grass Weaving
- Sola Pith Flower Making
- Suf Embroidery
- Himalayan Felt Craft
- Leather Craft Demonstrations
- Handloom & Textile Weaving Techniques
These demonstrations offer a unique opportunity to understand the skill, precision and labour involved in handmade production.
Flavours of India – Regional Food Festival
Complementing the crafts and cultural experiences will be a vibrant food festival featuring authentic flavours from different regions of India.
Visitors can enjoy:
Delhi & North India
- Purani Delhi Style Chaat
- Ram Laddoo
- Chana Jor Garam
- Banarasi Paan
Rajasthan
- Traditional Rajasthani Snacks & Specialities
Maharashtra & Mumbai
- Authentic Maharashtrian Cuisine
- Mumbai Street Food Experiences
- Famous Juhu-style Kulhad Refreshments
Madhya Pradesh
- Regional Central Indian Delicacies
Gujarat
- Authentic Gujarati Rasoi’
- Cafés & Artisan Food Brands
- Specialty Tea Stalls
- Handcrafted Waffles
- Popular Regional Cafés
- Artisan Beverages & Refreshments
The food zone has been curated to create a complete family outing experience where visitors can enjoy crafts, culture, music and food from across India under one roof.
Why Karigar Bazaar Matters
Karigar Bazaar is more than an exhibition. It is a growing movement dedicated to preserving India’s living craft heritage and creating sustainable opportunities for artisan communities.
Every purchase made at the bazaar directly supports artisan families, rural craft clusters and traditional knowledge systems that continue to survive through handmade practices.
In an era dominated by machine-made products and commercialisation, Karigar Bazaar seeks to reconnect audiences with authenticity, craftsmanship, sustainability and the real people behind India’s handmade traditions.
About the Organisers
Karigar Bazaar is a flagship initiative of the Craft & Artisans Revival Welfare Foundation, dedicated to preserving India’s rich craft heritage and creating sustainable opportunities for artisan communities.
Founded by Aamir Khan and Pankaj Singh Rana, Karigar Bazaar emerged from a shared vision nurtured by Aamir Khan, Pankaj Singh Rana, Manoj Baghel, Aashi Khan and Sana Israr to create a platform that empowers artisans, promotes traditional crafts and connects skilled makers with wider audiences.
Today, Karigar Bazaar serves as a national platform bringing together artisans from across India while strengthening livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
