Sat Mar 01 18:55:31 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Craft Bazaar Bridges Tradition and Trend

**CHENNAI, March 2, 2025** – A two-day craft bazaar, “Pokkisham,” held at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Chennai, showcased the work of 18 Tamil Nadu artisans, bridging the gap between traditional handicrafts and modern trends. The event, described as a “vocal for local” festival, featured handloom and handicraft stalls offering everything from palm leaf baskets to handmade paper journals.

Artisans reported a significant boost in sales thanks to the collaboration with NIFT students. Students not only assisted with sales but also helped artisans update their designs and market their products through social media. Kokila C. from Pulicat, a palm leaf basket weaver, noted increased demand for pastel-colored baskets, a trend identified with the help of NIFT students.

Divya K.V., the cluster initiative coordinator at NIFT, emphasized the importance of supporting local artisans to ensure the survival of traditional crafts. She highlighted the issue of large companies replicating artisan designs at lower prices, underscoring the importance of direct purchases to sustain livelihoods.

The collaboration extended beyond sales support. Suverna, a NIFT knitwear design student, spent time in Sirumugai, Coimbatore, learning traditional techniques and incorporating contemporary motifs to enhance the artisans’ work. Similarly, Sivaperumal from Puducherry, who upcycles fabric scraps into handmade paper, benefited from increased demand for his handmade journals.

S. Padmini from Singaperumal Koil, a paper mache doll maker, expressed her gratitude for the exposure provided by NIFT, stating that the event brought national recognition to her and her fellow artisans. The bazaar proved to be a successful platform for promoting traditional crafts while adapting them to contemporary tastes and markets.

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