Long before the city skyline was flooded by shopping malls, there existed weekly markets in Delhi. Before Delhi city, turned into a metro city or before Delhi became one of the costliest cities in the world, Delhi was known for its urban haats. The urban haats were traditionally called Bazar and they would offer all kinds of items, at a reasonable price. Over time, with malls opening up, these markets shrank to the verge of extinction.
Incepted by Ministry of Tourism and Textiles in collaboration with Delhi Tourism, Delhi’s first Dilli Haat was inaugurated in the year 2003. The purpose of Dilli Haat was to promote the traditional handlooms and promote and preserve the tradition and culture of India. The markets in Dilli Haat showcase the traditional Indian clothes. Most of the items on sale are handcrafted and a representation of our traditional practices. Dilli Haat, apart from handlooms, also sell home decor items. The items on exhibition have unique design and beauty of the products have no match. The lost handicraft market has seen a surge in the demand as more and more people opt for shopping.