Karigar Bazaar Bengaluru 2025 at Jayamahal Palace: India’s Biggest Handmade Craft Festival Returns

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Bengaluru: This August, the garden city opens its heart to a vibrant, living celebration of craft, culture and community. Karigar Bazaar returns from August 9 to 17 at Jayamahal Palace Hotel, inviting visitors to engage with the people and practices that shape India’s craft heritage.

More than 140 artisans from across 26 states and union territories of India, including a special representation from Afghanistan, will transform the lawns of the palace into a dynamic bazaar filled with handcrafted textiles, jewellery, home décor, paintings and folk art. But this is far more than an exhibition. It’s a meeting ground of memory, tradition and talent.

Each stall tells a story. From the looms of Chanderi and Maheshwar to the hand-printed wonders of Bagru and Dabu, from the delicate stitches of Phulkari and Chikankari to the bold strokes of Gond and Madhubani art, the bazaar is a living atlas of India’s artistic landscape. Shoppers will discover banana fibre baskets, felt toys, lac bangles, beaded jewellery, silver adornments, neem wood combs, brassware, ceramic homeware, and more — all created with care, precision and cultural depth.

Unlike most exhibitions, here, the process is just as important as the product. Visitors can watch artisans in action — carving wood, weaving rugs, painting puppets, making tassels, or creating wire sculptures by hand. These live demonstrations are open all day and offer a rare glimpse into the making behind the masterpiece.

For those who want to go beyond observing, there are interactive craft workshops on August 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17. Participants can try block printing on totes, make leather-bound diaries, create wall hangers, paint photo frames, or even write old-school letters. Kids can enjoy face painting and craft sessions. Prices are affordable and on-the-spot registration makes it easy to join in.

Daily performances elevate the experience further. From 1 PM to 7 PM, the palace lawns will echo with folk and contemporary music. Kabir Lok Gayak Ravi Das Gangapari brings mystic bhajans on August 9 and 10. Vinod Bhatt presents traditional Rajasthani puppetry from August 11 to 14. From August 15 to 17, the desert sounds of the Manganiyaar ensemble and the Bengaluru-based hip-hop artist Adhyaay will come together to bridge folk with modern rhythm.

The food court, true to the spirit of the event, is a journey across regions. Fresh dosas, thalis, pickles, sweets, namkeen and fusion street food give visitors a literal taste of India. Whether you want something hearty or nostalgic, there’s something to relish in every bite.

Karigar Bazaar is not just about shopping. It’s about connecting. Every piece here is handmade, but also heart-made. Every artisan is a keeper of stories. To support them is to support a culture that lives not in books but in tools, dyes, cloth, earth and song.

When you walk through the bazaar, you are not merely browsing products — you are walking through India’s living heritage. You see tradition unfold in real time. You participate in preservation. You remember how much can be made with very little when love and knowledge pass through generations.

Event details:

Venue: Jayamahal Palace Hotel, Bengaluru

Dates: August 9 to 17, 2025

Time: 11 AM to 8 PM

Entry Fee: ₹50

Contact: +91-87883 49654

This August, visit Karigar Bazaar to see, learn, taste and take home more than just souvenirs. Take home stories. Take home soul.