Exhibition: Naayaab to be held from August 25

The first edition of Naayaab, a national platform dedicated to Indian heritage craftsmanship, will be held in three cities, featuring over 100 pieces from more than 40 traditional art forms. These works have been created by over 70 artisans, many of whom have been recognised with national honours such as the Padma Shri.

For the first time, Naayaab will bring together these carefully selected works, produced by master artisans who have received some of India’s highest awards, including the Padma Vibhushan and Shilp Guru.

The exhibition will be held in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, and will be accessible by invitation only to art collectors and enthusiasts.

The Delhi edition of Naayaab will take place on August 25 and 26 at the Taj Mahal, Man Singh Road. The exhibition will then move to Hyderabad on September 4 and 5 at Taj Krishna, and finally to Mumbai on September 13 and 14 at the Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba.

Each city will host the exhibition for two days, featuring discussions, dialogues, and music, providing additional context to the displayed works. The pieces, curated by Naayaab from Craft Maestros, have been sourced from artisans across more than 70 locations in India, with prices ranging from several lakhs to crores.

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Akansha Dixit, Founder and Chief Curator of Naayaab, said, “At Naayaab, our goal is to present these art forms and acknowledge their cultural significance. By giving them a platform, we aim to preserve their legacy”.

Some of the featured artisans include Sudarshan Sahoo, who received the Padma Vibhushan in 2021 and Padma Shri in 1988 for stone carving; Jai Prakash Lakhiawal, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2016 for miniature painting; Khaleel Ahmad, a Padma Shri awardee in 2024 for kilim carpet weaving; Bhuri Bai, a Bhil artist honoured with Padma Shri in 2021; and Gond artist Durga Bai Vyam, also a recipient of the Padma Shri.

The long-term aim of Naayaab is to establish the event as a regular part of the cultural calendar in India and other major cities worldwide. Through this initiative, Naayaab seeks to support the growth of the handicrafts sector and encourage the next generation of artisans. The organisers, who have worked with these artisans for over six years through Craft Maestros, hope to change the perception of traditional crafts and encourage new creative approaches.

Ajay A Singh, Founder Director of Naayaab, said, “With many Indian art forms steeped in history, Naayaab aims to bring these crafts to a wider audience, providing a future for these artisans and offering collectors a chance to acquire unique works”.

When: 04:00 PM to 10:00 PM; August 25 – 26

Where: Taj Mahal Hotel, South Block, Man Singh Road, New Delhi