Bhopal: On the occasion of Independence Day, ‘Khazana – The Independence Edit 2026’ at Taj Lakefront, Bhopal, brought together Indian handicrafts, traditional art and the inspiring stories of artisans, celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage and its relevance in contemporary times.
Khazana, under the leadership of Faisal Momen, Vice President, Khazana, continues its endeavour to preserve India’s traditional crafts while creating meaningful platforms for artisans and bringing their work to contemporary audiences. On this occasion, Mayor Malti Rai was the chief guest and graced the event with her presence.
The programme opened with a discussion on the journey and vision of Khazana. Mallika Shah shared that Khazana opened its first outlet in 1980 and, over more than four decades, has grown into a network of 32 outlets. Despite its growth and expansion, Indian craftsmanship and the artisans behind these traditions continue to remain at the heart of Khazana’s philosophy.
The discussion focused on three key objectives preserving traditional crafts passed down through generations, supporting artisans by providing them with platforms to showcase their work, and keeping India’s rich craft traditions relevant to contemporary audiences and younger generations.
Artisans Share Their Stories
An engaging segment of the event featured artisans specialising in zardozi, pottery and hand-painted textiles, who shared their personal journeys, family traditions and experiences of learning and practising their crafts. Their stories highlighted that every handcrafted creation represents years of dedication, patience, skill and inherited knowledge. The interaction also reinforced the idea that choosing a handcrafted product means taking home not just an object, but a piece of the artisan’s story, tradition and cultural heritage.
Heritage as a Pathway to Empowerment
The programme also featured an insightful discussion with Rakhshan Shamim Zahid, President of The Begums of Bhopal, and Deepa Dixit, Founder of Ragini Foundation, on Indian craft traditions, empowerment and economic independence.
The conversation explored how traditional skills can create opportunities for employment, confidence and financial independence, while access to wider markets and credible platforms can help artisans and their communities build sustainable livelihoods.
The concluding session reflected on the meaning of Indian heritage and its continuing relevance. While for some it represents traditions passed down through generations, for others it is a source of identity, pride and connection — a living legacy that continues to evolve with time.
The event concluded with appreciation for Kavitaa Sood for bringing together artisans, speakers and audiences to create a meaningful celebration of Indian craftsmanship and heritage.
Through The Independence Edit 2026, Khazana reaffirmed its role as a bridge between artisans and contemporary audiences, celebrating craftsmanship, preserving heritage and keeping India’s rich artistic traditions alive for generations to come.
