Our Story and The Handmade Movement
We started with a simple garden gathering in Bangalore and a belief that true luxury is handmade. Today, we bridge the gap between master karigars and those who value the soul behind the craft.
Behind the scenes of our selection committee. We go through a rigorous process, using a fine-tooth comb to ensure every artisan we feature is genuine, skilled, and has potential.
From a garden gathering to a movement. We share our origin story, which started with a sold-out, three-day event in our backyard that proved the magic of connecting makers directly with customers.
It was a joy to host you. Our co-founders, Mala and Sonia Dhawan, at the heart of the festival, embodying the spirit of community and handmade.
For those who want to know who is behind the scenes. Meet our small but mighty team, the pillars of A Hundred Hands.
A close-up of a hand-block printed fabric with traditional rangoli motifs from Ambara Chittara, a group we visited in Shimoga.
Celebrating 25 years of Ambara Chittara in Honnesara. We spent a lovely day with the Kulkarnis, who have tirelessly kept their block-printing craft alive.
A treasure trove of handmade clothes in a little hamlet in Shimoga district, the wonderful center of Ambara Chittara.
A wonderful community catch-up in Cubbon Park. We love joining these Sunday craft sessions, where people meet, share, and learn.
An enriching afternoon spent with artisan students from SKV Bagalkot, weavers of Ilkal Saris, sharing knowledge and experiences in Cubbon Park.
Our co-founder Mala, on her signature pink bicycle, welcomes everyone to the NIFT campus for the Spring Edit, sharing her excitement for the event.
About Our Story & Mission
Wondering how we choose the makers at our festivals? We don't just rent out stalls. We dig deep into the process of each 'karigar', verifying their authenticity and skill ourselves. When you connect with us, you’re supporting a small, dedicated team—Mala, Sonia, Cynthia, Thyagraj, and Haider—who treat every artisan’s work as a living legacy rather than just inventory.
How We Started
It all began in our backyard. We noticed that rural artisans with immense talent were struggling to find buyers because they were stuck behind middlemen. We decided to host a three-day event in our garden, and to our surprise, it sold out on the first day. That simple proof of concept—connecting people directly to the makers—grew into the movement you see today.
The 'Karigar' First Approach
We are picky, and we admit it. Our selection committee spends hours researching each artisan. We look for 'karigars' who are genuine, skilled, and passionate. Whether it is Gond art, block printing from Shimoga, or Ilkal sari weaving, we make sure you are buying from the person who actually made the piece.
Join Our Community
We are more than a marketplace. We are a community of volunteers, performers, and creators. We organize workshops, community catch-ups in Cubbon Park, and large-scale festivals like the Festival of Handmade. Whether you are an artist looking for a platform or a patron looking for slow-made products, there is a place for you here.
Our Values
- No Middlemen: Direct access to artisans.
- Sustainability: Encouraging minimal waste at all events.
- Education: Sharing the stories and techniques behind every craft.
- Support: Ensuring artisans get fair value for their time and skill.
A Hundred Hands
We’re Mala and Sonia—the grey-haired duo you’ll see buzzing around our festivals. We started this to bring unknown 'karigars' to the front, and we’re still just as nerdy about traditional techniques as we were on day one. Come say hi, whether you want to learn a craft or just share a story.
Looking for a specific craft or event?
Browse our workshops or find details on our upcoming market dates.
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