Imagine a place that graces all of your senses: eyes with bright colours, nose with enticing aromas and ears with traditional music. Delhi Haat is an open-air market that weaves such an atmosphere while serving the best of India’s crafts and cuisines. This destination is a whole package for visitors as it has everything from artisans showcasing their handmade crafts, textiles, and jewellery to the authenticity of Indian dishes.
What's fascinating about Dilli Haat is that even though it's a single lively venue, visiting it each time feels like a fresh and exciting adventure. This is because of the rotational system that allows different artisans from distinct states to display their work each time.
The Origins of the Cultural Hub
Dilli Haat is a joint project by Delhi Tourism, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and the Ministries of Textiles & Tourism. This project aimed to create a permanent platform for artisans and craftsmen to alleviate their struggle to find buyers for their work in urban markets.
As for the initiative and design of the market, both were inspired by the weekly village markets called haats, which were set up for local artisans to sell their handmade products. This vision was brought to life and inaugurated in March 1994.
While the market has been successful for over so many years, the success of the first Dilli Haat at INA Market led to the establishment of two more locations: Dilli Haat Pitampura and Dilli Haat Janakpuri.
Architectural Delight
Have you ever visited a traditional Indian village market? If not, you're in for surprises when you explore Dilli Haat. Its design is a mimicry of a traditional rural market mixed with modern functionality.
The experience of the design is not like typical shopping malls. Let's dive into the features that make it unique:
- Similar to the mud huts in the Indian villages, Dilli Haat is also lined with thatched-roof kiosks and bamboo structures to replicate the rustic feel. Each stall is built in a permanent yet flexible style to allow the vendors to rotate easily every 15 days.
- If you're worried about overcrowding, the red stone pathways and open courtyards have got you. This allows everyone to move freely and interact with the artisans and vendors.
- It features eco-friendly elements such as rainwater harvesting and has ample greenery in the surrounding area.
Discover the Essentials: Crafts and Cuisine
If you're a foodie or someone interested in artistry, Dilli Haat is just the place for you! It's a treasure box filled with both food and handicrafts.
Handicrafts and Textiles
Dilli Haat is home to 62 stalls that feature a wide range of handicrafts—from handwoven fabrics, embroidery and pottery to metalwork and paintings. Additionally, you can also find specialities from different states of India, such as Madhubani paintings of Bihar, Pashmina shawls of Kashmir and Bandhani fabrics of Rajasthan.
Flavours of India
The market hosts food stalls from almost all the states so that visitors can savour authentic dishes from around the country in one place. Imagine devouring Momos from Sikkim, Sarso da Saag and Makki di Roti from Punjab or the Rasagulla from West Bengal all in one place.
Live Cultural Performances
It’s more than just a shopping destination or a food court. Dilli Haat organises folk dance and music performances to display India’s cultural diversity. Visitors can immerse themselves in performances such as Bharatanatyam and Kathak or feel energised by the Bhangra.
Seasonal Exhibitions and Special Events
The venue is also known for hosting theme-based fairs such as the Basant Festival, Teej Festival and the annual Handicrafts Mela. It also made a home in the hearts of the younger Indian audience by hosting India’s first Comic Con in 2011.
Best Time to Visit Dilli Haat
The best time to visit Delhi Haat is between October and March. During these months, the city’s weather is pleasant at around 10°C - 25°C. As the venue is an outdoor set-up, it can be hot and humid during the summer, making winter and spring the ideal seasons to explore.
To define the best time for a visit in a day, you can go in the late afternoon or early evening. This way, you'll be able to enjoy the market in cooler temperatures and not miss the cultural performances at night.
Navigating to the Heart of Delhi
Delhi Haat is well-connected by public transport, making it easier to visit. Here are some transportation options you can use according to your convenience:
By Air
If you’re flying to Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is just 13 kilometres away from the market. From there, you can either hail an easily available taxi or use the metro. The INA metro station serves both the Yellow and Pink Lines of the Delhi Metro. This station is just a 2-minute walk from the entrance of the market.
By Train
There are multiple stations such as New Delhi Railway Station, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and Old Delhi Railway Station, 8, 10 and 11 kilometres away from the market, respectively. Once you get down at either of these stations, you can book a taxi or travel by metro to reach your destination.
Local Transport
Taxis, auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs are readily available to pick you up from any part of the city and drop you off at the entrance of the market. Additionally, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses stop near INA, which is a 2-minute walk away from the market.
A Celebration of Culture
Delhi Haat hosts numerous cultural and artisan festivals to display the cultural diversity of the country to its citizens and the world.
- Dastkari Haat Craft Bazaar: This is a national-level crafts fair that allows lesser-known artists to promote their craft.
- North East Festival: It is a week-long event that highlights everything northeast—from textiles and foods to folk performances.
- Navratri and Diwali Celebrations: The market celebrates the festivals of dance, music and light by using lamps, flowers and handicrafts for decoration.
Delhi Haat is a celebration of the cultural diversity of India. It has something for everyone, from handicrafts for art enthusiasts to multiple authentic cuisines for the foodies in the house and traditional performances to create a thriving atmosphere. From enjoying a plate of steaming momos from the Northeast or filling your wardrobe with handcrafted treasures from Rajasthan, every visit to Delhi Haat is fulfilling!
