For those wanting to discover the art and crafts of Bengal and its neighbouring state, head over to Daksha crafting voices 2026 held in collaboration between Swarup Dutta and banglanatakdotcom. The three-day cultural and creative extravaganza will make it possible for people to see the richness of Odisha, Bengal and Jharkhand craftsmanship; and hear the stories of the crafts, straight from the artisans. That apart, it will be filled with panel discussions and performances, every evening highlighting the folk art and creativity.
Every evening, between 4 pm and 7 pm there will be varied local folk performances. On Apr 3, one can witness the grandeur of Seraikela Chhau under the leadership of Kush Kumar Karua ; and Koraput tribal (Paroja) songs led by Laichung Majhi. Apr 4, will show the Mayurbhanj school of Chhau dance performed by Dibar Naik and troupe. On April 5, one can witness the Chadar Badar tribal puppetry by Som Saren and group. These apart, on all three-days visitors will be able to witness Bengal’s own Baul music by Sadhu Das Baul and Bama Prasad Singha.
Artisans will showcase not only their handiwork but will focus on the local craftsmanship. What more, you might find the artisans working live at their stations and they will be happy to interact and answer all your questions about the craft or their work. This initiative will also allow local to directly connect with the artisans giving a boost to visibility and possible income. Kotpad Textiles, sabai grass, terracotta, dokra metal craft from Odisha; Kashi grass, Bamboo, Seraikela Chhau Mask from Jharkhand and Dokra Backstrap weaves, Kantha, Patachitra and Wooden mask from Bengal will be spotlighted during the event. Artisans like Sumitra and Simati Sabar (Kashi Grass), Krishna Pada Mahali and Manjuda Mahali (bamboo), Kunal Rana and Bira Kishore Rana (Dokra) will be present on all three-days.
Along with practical demonstration, the Craft Talks led by Swarup Dutta is one of the most promising segments of the event. It comprises expert conversation, opening dialogues in the field that are a necessity and focuses on the advent and influences of innovation and the meaning of collaboration to promote, preserve and sustain art and craftsmanship.
The session titled ‘Craft and Innovation: Tradition in Transition’ will be held on Apr 3 between 6 pm – 7:30 pm. In conversation will be Anuradha Kumra, Chief Advisor and Architect of Retail Partnerships for The Kunj, Advisor, Good Earth Heritage Foundation, President, Apparel & Accessories (Fabindia); Jay Thakkar Professor, Faculty of Design CEPT University, Co-founder Design, Innovation and Craft Resource Centre (DICRC), India ; Dr, Madhura Dutta, Senior Consultant and Cultural Development Expert in Arts, Policy and Community Engagement. This panel aims to look at how creativity is changing and adapting with changing lifestyle, material experimentation and innovation in the field.
Another panel discussion titled, ‘Crafting and Collaboration: Creating Together, Growing Together’ will be held on Apr 4 from 6 pm – 7:30 pm. It will be presided over by Swarup Dutta, Multidisciplinary Artist, Designer, Educator, Photographer, Scenographer; Partha Dasgupta, Contemporary Artist and Designer; Ishan Pattanaik, Design Entrepreneur and Founder of Karu, India; and Nandita Palchoudhuri, Social Entrepreneur and Global Curator of Indian Folk Arts and Cultural Practices. This panel emphasis on the need to co-create and the collaboration needed between enterprises and artisans for a sustainable livelihood and holistic growth of the artisans and the art.
The event is open to all and welcomes everybody to witness and experience the cultural heritage of Bengal and its neighbouring States.
What: Daksha crafting voices 2026
When: April 3, 4 & 5, 2026
Where: Daga Nikunj, Alka Jalan Foundation
Address: 25/1 Ballygunge Circular Road
Time: Apr 3 (3pm – 8 pm) / Apr 4& 5 (11 am – 8 pm)
For more updates, join/follow our WhatsApp, Telegram and YouTube channels.