The Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu is organising Chennai Vizha 2023, the first-of-its-kind festival in India that honours exquisite handicrafts, handlooms, and cuisine from around the world. The International Handicrafts, Handlooms and Food Festival will host artisans from both India and across the globe to showcase their exceptional handcrafted products and textiles. Be a part of this cultural extravaganza and witness the diverse and immersive array of traditional arts and crafts ranging from hand-woven textiles to intricate metal works at the 16-day festival starting from April 29 to May 14, 2023, at the Island Grounds, Chennai.
– Team TTJ
Handicrafts and handlooms are an integral part of many cultures around the world. They reflect the distinct traditions and skills of artisans and weavers and have gained global recognition for their beauty, durability, and quality. Each of these handicrafts and handlooms has its distinctive style and techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
India’s rich cultural heritage and traditional diversity are reflected through a wide variety of arts and handicrafts made by artisans from all over the country. The traditional and talented artisans have been successful in keeping alive the rich culture and tradition of our nation for centuries, which is being carried out even in today’s time, thus preserving the legacy for future generations. We cannot deny the fact that Indian art and handicrafts have impressed people across the globe, and it is standing tall till date. Indian crafts include inspiring and unique metalwork, woodwork, cloth, coir, textiles and fabric, jewellery, terracotta objects, pottery and objects made from cane and bamboo.
As diverse, colourful and ornate as the whole of India, Tamil Nadu is firmly rooted in its heritage and is rich in history, literature, and culture. The most prominent example of the state’s legacy is its architectural marvels, from rock-cut caves to intricately carved temples. The state also boasts diverse and splendid traditional arts and handicrafts. Striking Pottery works, banana sisel and palm fibre products, papier mâché crafts, Thanjavur dolls, Sungudi sarees, Kanjivaram and Thirubuvanam silk sarees, Bhavani Jamakkalam, Pattamadai Paai, Stone and bronze sculptures are some of the commendable pieces of art and handicraft of the Tamil Nadu. The sales of these handicrafts benefit the state’s economy and the local artisans.
Tamil Nadu has a distinctive tradition of fine arts and exquisite crafts. For example, the Thanjavur dolls are traditionally made with clay from the river Kaveri. These were inspired by the design of the Peruvudaiyar Gopuram which is erected not on a stone basement, but on the sand. In the event of an earthquake, the structure without cracking will just wobble and settle back in position. Also, the age-old art of bronze sculpting has made Swamimalai, a small town on the outskirts of Thanjavur, world-famous. These sought-after Swamimalai bronze statues embody grace and precision, tying together the expertise, craftsmanship, and artistic sensibilities of master craftsmen. This craft has been passed on through generations and is more than 1100 years old. Then, there is the Nachiarkoil lamp, an ornamental brass lamp made of a series of diyas, a handicraft product that is exclusively made by the Pather (Kammalar) community in Nachiyar Koil town.
The Chennai Vizha 2023 – International Handicrafts, Handlooms and Food Festival is an excellent opportunity to highlight and showcase the distinctive handicrafts and handlooms to spectators and visiting tourists. The Tamil Nadu Zone has 70 stalls featuring individual artisans, Poompuhar stalls, handlooms, and Cooptex and Khadi stalls.
The national zone has 76 stalls with 19 states and Union Territories participating. India is a cultural hotspot with cutting-edge art and craft in every corner of the country. Impressive art forms like Madhubani and Warli paintings, Kutch embroidery, Surat Zari craft, Kullu and Pashmina shawls, pottery and block printings, and a range of handicrafts are bound to keep the visitors thrilled and spellbound. There are about 80 crafts registered with the GI tag (geographical indication) handicrafts that will be displayed during the festival. It is an impressive list and will be a treat for the eyes.
The Chennai Vizha 2023 also aims to showcase the talent and creativity of artisans from across the world and provide them with a platform to showcase their products to a larger audience. This festival presents a beautiful opportunity for artisans across the globe to showcase their products, connect with potential buyers and expand their businesses. Various dance forms
The international zone is also expected to drive in the crowd with participants from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. The visitors will be impressed with Nepal’s traditional Paubha art, which is mostly practised by the Newar community in Nepal. The artists depict the stories and ideologies of various Hindu and Buddhist deities in these paintings. Paubha art is used for both religious and spiritual purposes. The Newars make Paubha paintings to worship gods and commemorate various festivals and other religious practices. On display will be Persian carpets, Nigerian pots, Turkish ceramics, Daapa bowls of Bhutan, Ambalangoda wooden masks of Sri Lanka, and many more.
Chennai Vizha 2023 will be a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages, with workshops, discussions, and other activities that will enable visitors to learn about the history and significance of Indian handicrafts and handlooms. The workshops and live demos will feature activities like pot making, wooden crafts making, paintings and many more.
The venue will be buzzing with various cultural programs, including popular dance forms and musical shows from across the country. This is once again a chance to witness unmatchable dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, and Odissi.
To satiate the taste buds of the visitors, the food courts here are planned to provide mouth-watering, ethnic and multi-cuisine from all over the country. From chaats, pizzas, burgers, kababs and South Indian delicacies to different juices, ice-creams, sweets and snacks, the eating out experience is bound to make the festival more thrilling and memorable for the visitors.
Features of Chennai Vizha 2023
- A showcase of the finest handcrafted products from all over India, including handwoven textiles, bronze sculptures, wooden toys, silk sarees, and much more.
- An opportunity to meet and interact with local artisans who will demonstrate their skills and techniques.
- A chance to purchase unique and authentic handicrafts directly from the artisans, supporting local communities and preserving traditional skills.
- A diverse range of handicrafts and handlooms will be on display, highlighting the diversity and beauty of India’s cultural heritage.
Display Profile at the Festival
- Hand-woven textiles, Embroidery, Block printing, Silk Sarees and Scarfs, Pottery, Metalwork, and Paintings.
- Fashion Jewellery, Accessories, Bags, Stoles, Handcrafted Garments, Lamps, and Lighting Accessories.
- Home Furnishings and Made Ups Carpets, Rugs and Floorings, Lawn, Garden Ornaments, and Accessories.
- Furniture, Furniture Hardware, and accessories.
- Candles, Incense Sticks, Potpourri, and Aromatics.
- Decoratives and Gifts (Including corporate gifts) and Festive Decorations.
- House Wares, Tableware, Kitchenware, and Hotel Ware.
- Handmade Paper, Gift Wraps, and Ribbons including Soft Toys.
- Rural products like palm leaf basketry, etc.
- The exhibitors range from State Handlooms Boards, State Handicrafts Boards, State Tourism Boards, Self Help Groups, Hotels and Restaurants, Artisans from various Indian states, and international artisans.
The festival will kick off on April 29 until May 14, 2023, from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
