FDCI Presents Ajrakh: The Blue Gold Exhibition at National Crafts Museum in Delhi
FDCI’s Ajrakh exhibition at the National Crafts Museum, New Delhi, highlights the legacy of Ajrakh print through contemporary Indian textiles and traditional craftsmanship.
The National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), inaugurated Ajrakh: The Blue Gold on May 18, 2026, on the occasion of International Museum Day 2026. Held at the Innovation Gallery, Textile Gallery II, the Indian textile exhibition explores the continuing journey of Ajrakh print from the artisan communities of Kutch to contemporary fashion and design.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Ms. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, and Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Curated by Sunil Sethi along with the FDCI team, the exhibition presents Ajrakh as a living textile tradition shaped by craftsmanship, natural dyeing techniques, and evolving design practices.
The showcase brings together traditional and contemporary interpretations of Ajrakh through garments, textiles, and installations. Contemporary textile artist Shelly Jyoti presents an experimental body of work on Khadi, offering a modern perspective on Ajrakh print and handcrafted textiles. Master craftsman Khalid Amin Khatri showcases a modal silk ensemble that reflects the precision and discipline associated with the traditional Ajrakh process.
FDCI designers have also reinterpreted the craft through contemporary silhouettes and fabrics. Anju Modi presents Ajrakh on linen, while Rajesh Pratap Singh showcases Ajrakh sarees on Kota textile. Garments by Divya Sheth and Sonia Jetleey further highlight how Ajrakh continues to remain relevant in contemporary Indian fashion and wearable textile design.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ms. Amrit Raj said, “International Museum Day reminds us of the important role museums play in preserving cultural heritage and encouraging dialogue between tradition and contemporary practice. Ajrakh reflects extraordinary craftsmanship, sustainable processes, and generations of artisanal knowledge. This exhibition celebrates the artisans and designers who continue to preserve and reinterpret this textile tradition for newer audiences.”
Sunil Sethi added, “Ajrakh, often referred to as ‘The Blue Gold’, stands out for its precision, layered process, and timeless appeal. Sustained by a small community of master artisans, it continues to inspire many FDCI designers who are incorporating this heritage textile into contemporary collections. We are pleased to present this exhibition at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy on International Museum Day.”
An initiative by FDCI, the Innovation Gallery has been envisioned as a rotating space dedicated to traditional Indian crafts, contemporary artistic practices, and textile-based storytelling.
Ajrakh: The Blue Gold will remain open to visitors for the next one month at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
