‘Bangalore Haat’, a unique bazaar that displays the richness of Indian art and culture, will turn one today. The bazaar, situated at the Swami Vivekananda Metro station near Indiranagar, has grown to be popular among citizens who flock to the market for the traditional products including folk art and handicrafts.
K. Prabhakar Rao, chief administrative officer, Bangalore Haat, told The Hindu that around 500 people visit the Haat on an average every day.
“The Haat is a showpiece of traditional Kannada culture and a platform bringing rural life and folk art closer to the urban clientele,” he said.
Handloom clothes, handicraft items to pickles and traditional food items, the Haat has it all. So far, 231 self-help groups from across the state have put up stalls at the Haat.
“We have identified 475 SHGs in the state and hope that they will come and sell their products at the Haat,” said Mr. Prabhakar Rao.
U.A. Vasanth Rao, general manager (finance), Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd., said that the corporation was constructing a dormitory for the rural artisans near the Metro station.
With the dormitory facility available, more artisans are likely to set up stalls at the Haat, he said.
He pointed out that the structures in the Haat have been designed liked the traditional homes in North Karnataka and South Karnataka. “Even the plants that are grown there are those commonly found in rural areas only. The Haat has been specially designed with the traditional rural santhe ambience,” he said.
