Iranian-Indian handicrafts under one roof at Delhi Haat

New Delhi, Jan 4 (IANS) Giving a platform to showcase the talents of artisans and craftsman from India and Iran under one roof, the 31st edition of the Annual Dastkari Haat Craft Bazaar began here on Wednesday.

Held at Delhi Haat in the national capital, the event is organised by Dastkari Haat Samiti and Iran Culture House. It also marks 60 years of Indo-Iran cultural ties.

"Dastkari Haat Craft Bazaar is aimed to encourage the artists and craftsmen from not just India but also from Iran. Both the countries have got immense talent and variety of arts and crafts and we are committed towards highlighting their efforts and giving them a platform to present their talents on a platform like this," Jaya Jaitley, Founder of Dastkari Haat Samiti, told IANS at the event.

The event focuses on Iranian art and enhancing cultural ties with the country from where nine artists will be presenting their work. Titled, 'Namayeshgahsanaye-E-Dasti Iranva Hind' the event has interactive sessions with the artists during workshops at the event.

Iranian handicrafts like pottery pieces, metal works in a variety of accessories and ornaments, decorative interiors and exteriors, exotic carpets and many other arts are the highlights of the event.

"The artists of two countries are able to exhibit their art works of two ancient civilisations. The several thousand years old civilisation of Iran and India is the lasting heritage of people of two countries and a collection of this heritage sheds the historical and national identity of these two countries. These events not only bring out the handicrafts but also increase employment opportunities," Gholamreza Ansari, Ambassador of Iran to India said.

The event will continue till January 15, 2017.