A Night Where Heritage Found Its Modern Voice at The Kunj
On a warm evening in the capital, a new cultural address—The Kunj—opened its doors to a gathering that felt both intimate and momentous. Curated by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) for the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, the event, aptly titled “Legacy of Craft,” set the tone for what this newly inaugurated space intends to be: a living, breathing tribute to India’s handmade heritage.
Guests explored Karigar Sangam, a showcase featuring over a hundred handcrafted pieces created by National Awardees, Shilp Gurus, and master artisans. Here, visitors could do more than just look—they could meet the makers, ask questions, and even take home pieces that carried centuries of tradition in their weave and stitch. It was a reminder that true luxury is not only about what you buy, but about knowing the story behind it.
The evening came alive on the runway as Divyam Mehta, Payal Jain, Samant Chauhan, Suket Dhir, and Upāvita presented their collections. Kantha detailing, Chikankari embroidery, Ikat, Chanderi, and Bhagalpuri silk were reinterpreted in fresh, modern ways—showing how Indian textiles can remain timeless while evolving for today’s world.
Live music and a graceful Kathak recital wove the evening together, adding a sense of rhythm and movement that matched the spirit of the event.
Among the dignitaries present were Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles; Smt. Neerja Sekhar; Rohit Kansal; Mugdha Sinha (IAS); Smt. Shubhra; and Ms. Apoorva Srivastava, Ambassador to the Slovak Republic. Their presence reflected the growing support for Indian handicrafts as part of a modern cultural economy.
Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) shared her views…
“The Kunj has been conceived as both a cultural beacon and a dynamic commercial hub, Through curated exhibitions, retail spaces, live demonstrations, and cultural programming, it will serve as a permanent destination to celebrate the spirit of ‘Handmade in India, Crafted for the World.’ ‘Legacy of Craft’ was a fitting beginning to that journey.”
Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, reflected on the evening….
“It was heartening to see people not just admiring but also choosing to take a piece of this legacy home. That is when craft truly thrives—when it moves from admiration to everyday relevance.”
In many ways, the night at The Kunj felt like a soft unveiling—not just of a space, but of a renewed dialogue between India’s artisanal past and its evolving future.
