On August 1-2, a quiet revolution in cloth and craft is set to unfold in Koregaon Park. At Monalisa Kalagram, the lush, art-conscious venue tucked away in Pune’s creative quarter, the desert winds of Kutch will bring with them stories stitched in silk, cotton, and wool — stories of survival, tradition, womanhood, and beauty.
Kutch Comes to Pune is not just another craft fair. It’s a thoughtfully curated exhibition by the Kutch Craft Collective (KCC), a unique alliance of five organizations that have spent decades preserving the region’s rich craft heritage while building dignified livelihoods for its artisan communities. On August 1 and 2, Puneites will have the rare opportunity to explore — and support — a vibrant ecosystem of handwork that’s equal parts heritage and innovation.
More Than Just Beautiful Things
The exhibition promises an immersive experience: a kaleidoscope of handcrafted textiles, intricately embroidered garments, handwoven stoles, durable and elegant bags, and a variety of home décor pieces — each telling a story older than most cities and more enduring than seasonal fashion trends. But to focus only on the aesthetic appeal of these objects would be to miss the point.
“This is not a sale,” says Paresh Mangalia, Dy. Director at Khamir, one of the five partner organizations in the KCC. “It’s a celebration of knowledge that has been passed down over generations — knowledge that artisans have carried in their hands, their memories, and their daily lives. What we’re offering is not just cloth, but connection.”
The Legacy Behind the Crafts
The Kutch Craft Collective (KCC) brings together five powerhouses of cultural preservation:
- Kala Raksha, known for combining traditional artisan skills with contemporary design education;
- Khamir, which has led initiatives to revive natural dyeing, weaving, and bell-making traditions;
- Qasab – Kutch Craftswomen’s Producer Co. Ltd., a women-led collective empowering over 1,500 craftswomen
- Shrujan, a pioneer in embroidery preservation since 1969;
- And Vivekanand Rural Development Institute (VRDI)
- , which focuses on strengthening rural development through artisan entrepreneurship.
Together, these organizations represent not only a shared geography — the arid, culturally rich district of Kutch in Gujarat — but also a shared commitment to sustainability, community development, and cultural continuity.
“We’re working across a very fragmented landscape,” explains Vimal Bhanani of Kala Raksha. “Different communities have different styles, languages, and histories. What unites them is their craftsmanship — and the fact that they’ve been largely invisible to mainstream markets as powerful creators until recently.”
From Craft to Conscious Consumption
In recent years, India has seen a rising interest in sustainable and handmade alternatives to mass-produced fashion and décor. But even as the terminology of ‘slow fashion’ gains currency, the people behind these practices often remain on the margins. Exhibitions like “Kutch Comes to Pune” play a vital role in shifting that dynamic — bringing artisans to the forefront and allowing buyers to make more informed, ethical choices.
“Every embroidery motif has a meaning. Every weave has a purpose,” says Azad Srivastav from Shrujan. “When people buy crafts, they’re not just acquiring beautiful products, they are supporting livelihoods. They’re also ensuring that this knowledge lives on.”
What Visitors Can Expect
The exhibition will feature a wide selection of:
- Sarees, dupattas, and blouses in handwoven kala cotton, bandhnis, ones adorned with embroidery styles like
- Ahir, Soof, Rabari, Pakko, Neran, Mutwa, and Jat
- Garmentsin Ajrakh & Batik Prints, Embroideries
- Handcrafted accessories including a wide range of bags, pouches, totes, and laptop sleeves with beautiful embroideries
- Home textiles like cushion covers, artistic embroidered wall hangings
- Interactive storytelling and informal conversations with representatives from the five organizations
A Cultural Bridge
Hosting the event is Monalisa Kalagram, a space that has long championed art, sustainability, and interdisciplinary exchange. Its leafy surroundings and tranquil architecture provide the perfect backdrop for crafts that are as delicate as they are enduring.
“This collaboration is special,” says Lisa Pingale of Monalisa Kalagram. “Pune has a thoughtful audience — people who appreciate culture, aesthetics, and purpose. We’re not just showcasing products here; we’re bringing the pulse of Kutch.”
When: August 1 – 2, 2025, 11am-7.30pm
Where: Monalisa Kalagram, Pingale Farms, Koregaon Park, Pune
