The Festival of Handmade: A Hundred Hands collective celebrates roots of creativity
In this photo essay, we showcase a range of craftworks from this outstanding exhibition at NIFT.
Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 950 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.
The spring edition of The Festival of Handmade by A Hundred Hands (AHH) has kicked off this week at the campus of NIFT in Bengaluru. It features over 180 groups from across 24 states in India.
The exhibitors showcase a wide range of handcrafted items such as gardenware, fashion, textiles, jewellery, toys, gifts, accessories, home décor, and crafts from traditional and tribal communities. There are also workshops on making kites, paper butterflies, mandalas, puppets, and pottery.
Launched in 2010 by sisters Mala and Sonia Dhawan, AHH is regarded as one of the oldest handmade art collectives in Bengaluru. It began as a grassroots platform connecting artisans directly with urban consumers.
Over the years, its community-led bazaar has grown into a nationally-recognised platform and incubator for handmade items. The current spring edition includes over 50 new craftspeople, and the handmade fashion runway is now in its eighth edition titled Catwalk for the Cause.
“In a world moving fast into digital technology and stressful lifestyles, we want to bring back the importance and rootedness of handmade. We supporting artisans and small designers – but are also bringing sensitivity about the handmade back to the public,” Mala Dhawan tells YourStory.
Using one’s hands is not just about craft or a business activity. “It can also be a hobby, or using your hands to write a letter on paper instead of typing on a screen. It is about getting back to the joy of the tactile sense,” she adds.
A popular attraction of the festival is the home food section, featuring the talents of home cooks from Bengaluru. There are also music, comedy and dance performances, and a fashion show curated by Prasad Bidapa.
AHH has consistently focused on building sustainable livelihoods rather than one-off sales. It supports artists and craftspeople across India while shaping Bengaluru’s handmade culture.
The collective reaches 300 artisan groups across the country, benefitting more than 60,000 members. In Karnataka, AHH engages with 60+ artisan communities spread across 10 districts.
Such exhibitions promise wider craft representation and deeper artisan engagement. They also highlight greater transparency around authentic handmade products.
“We want people to embrace and appreciate the handmade. This does not mean we are against the use of machines or digital. We are not taking a moral high ground and shunning modernity – we are advocating a balance,” Mala explains.
Mala (R) and Sonia Dhawan
AHH advocates for broad guidelines that define what is handmade. “For example, at least 80% of the work has to be done by hand,” she says.
“India’s recent policy focus on MSMEs and handicrafts is encouraging. But real impact comes from platforms that connect makers directly with markets,” Mala observes.
The collective now has a pan-India presence, and supports women-owned enterprises and artisans from marginalised communities. These include tribal groups, queer communities, and those with cognitive and psychiatric disabilities.
AHH also attracts hobbyists who learn how to convert their passions into sustainable businesses. It has helped revive dying craft forms as well, such as Sanji papercutting, Bhil painting, Kavad, and Silpidi ironwork.
“In a sector where middlemen often take 30% commission, we take zero commission, ensuring that all revenue goes directly to artisans. The artisans only share the costs incurred at the exhibition venue,” Mala explains.
A research report on the work of AHH shows that many of its members see a two-fold increase in annual income due to its activities. Up to 40% of their yearly earnings coming from AHH.
She also offers tips and words of advice for aspiring artisans. “Don't give up. Hang in there! There is definitely a growing movement of handmade,” she suggests.
“There is a broad audience, including a younger audience. For example, our fashion show was put together by youth in their early twenties – they have very different perspectives on handmade items,” she observes.
It may seem like an uphill task now, but there will be a huge resurgence in the handmade. “When people do things themselves, even small acts of embroidery will lead to pride and a sense of ownership and preservation,” Mala explains.
“Engaging in the handmade spurs creativity and improves your concentration. There is lots of scientific evidence about the cognitive and emotional benefits of working with your hands,” she adds.
Working with the hands stimulates the brain. “It reduces stress and anxiety, and has effects similar to meditation. It also gives a sense of achievement when handmade works are completed,” she affirms.
“People who work with their hands also find a sense of community among other makers, with deeper relationships and meaningful ties,” Mala signs off.
Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?
(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at NIFT Bangalore.)