Dekho Yatra:

• “Dekho Yatra – Deshi ki Khoj Yatra” to Document and Celebrate India’s Craft Heritage Tisser, a pioneer in promoting India’s rich artisanal traditions and empowering craft clusters, is proud to launch “Dekho Yatra – Deshi ki Khoj ,” a nationwide caravan journey aimed at exploring, documenting, and celebrating the diversity of Indian crafts.
• This one-of-a-kind initiative will traverse the country, visiting craft clusters to capture the unique stories, techniques, and cultural significance of India’s artisan communities. The Yatra is set to kick off in July 2025 and will cover major clusters in regions like Assam, Kashmir, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and more.

About the Initiative:

Dekho Yatra – Deshi ki Khoj Yatra will:

• Explore and Document: Capture the essence of diverse crafts through videos, photos, and artisan interviews.
• Empower Artisans: Host workshops, live demos, and exhibitions at each cluster, creating new opportunities for artisans.
• Promote Sustainability: Highlight the role of crafts in sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience.
• Create a Digital Legacy: Build an online repository of craft stories, techniques, and visuals accessible to the world.

What to Expect:

The Yatra will combine exploration, technology, and community engagement through:

• Live Demonstrations: Artisans showcasing their craft-making processes.
• Interactive Workshops: Hands-on sessions for community members.
• Digital Integration: Use of AR/VR for an immersive craft experience.
• Cultural Showcases: Regional exhibits featuring traditional and contemporary craft adaptations

Road Map :  

1. Define the Vision and Goals
• Purpose: Preserve and promote the cultural and economic value of India’s crafts.
• Key Outputs:
Dekho Yatra
• A digital repository of crafts (videos, photos, stories).
• A series of workshops or community interactions in clusters.
• Insights for policymaking and sustainable development.
2. Plan the Route and Clusters
Identify priority craft clusters across India, focusing on diversity and impact.
• Examples:
• Assam: Mekhela Sador weaving
• Kashmir: Pashmina craft
• Gujarat: Bandhani tie-dye
• Tamil Nadu: Kanchipuram silk
• Odisha: Pattachitra art
Organize the route into zones (North, South, East, West, Northeast) for efficient travel.
3. Design the Caravan Experience
a. Interactive Components:
• Live demos of crafts during the journey.
• Community engagement through storytelling, workshops, and local participation.
• A mobile exhibition showcasing Tisser’s work and craft products.
b. Technology Integration:
• Equip the caravan with:
• Recording tools for documentation (video, audio, drones).
• AR/VR setups for virtual experiences of craft-making processes.
• Portable screens for sharing artisan stories and films with communities.
c. Sustainable Practices:
• Use eco-friendly transport and materials.
• Highlight sustainable practices in crafts and encourage waste-to-wealth innovations.
4. Documentation and Storytelling
Dekho Yatra
a. Content Creation:
• Capture high-quality videos, interviews, and photos of artisans and their crafts.
• Record the socio-economic impact of crafts on artisan communities.
b. Storytelling Approach:
• Create episodes for digital platforms (YouTube, Instagram).
• Share “A Day in the Life of an Artisan” stories.
• Incorporate behind-the-scenes footage of the journey.
c. Digital Repository:
• Build an interactive website to host cluster-wise content, craft videos, and an artisan directory.
5. Partnerships and Collaboration
• Collaborate with:
• Government bodies: Handloom and handicraft ministries.
• Corporate sponsors: CSR funding for the initiative.
• NGOs: Local support for community interactions.
• Media Houses: To amplify coverage and create documentaries.
6. Engagement and Outreach
a. Community Events:
• Host craft fairs and live demos at major stops.
• Engage schools and universities in heritage appreciation workshops.
b. Social Media Campaign:
• Launch hashtags like #DekhoYatra, #CraftCaravan.
• Share daily updates, cluster highlights, and interactive Q&A sessions.
c. Merchandise:
• Create a line of products from each cluster to promote artisan work.
• Offer limited-edition Tisser-curated collections.
Dekho Yatra
7. Budgeting and Resources
• Caravan and Equipment:
• Vehicle rental/purchase, modification for exhibits.
• Cameras, drones, and tech setup for documentation.
• Team:
• Drivers, documentarians, designers, and craft experts.
• Operational Costs:
• Travel, accommodation, artisan honorariums, and material costs.
8. Post-Yatra Outcomes
• Publish a coffee table book with stories and visuals.
• Create an impact report to share with policymakers and partners.
• Plan a national exhibition showcasing craft cluster outputs.