Nestled in the heart of South Delhi, Dilli Haat stands as a vibrant tribute to India’s rich handicraft heritage. Inaugurated in March 1994, this open-air market became India’s first permanent craft bazaar, transforming how rural artisans connected with urban consumers. More than three decades later, Dilli Haat remains a living, breathing showcase of traditional craftsmanship, cuisine, and cultural expression.

Conceived and developed by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles and NDMC, Dilli Haat was envisioned as a modern take on the traditional village haat—a lively space where artisans could directly market their creations without middlemen.

• Permanent stalls built with rustic, thatch-roof aesthetics
• 62 rotating kiosks that offer handcrafted goods from across India, with artisans changing every 15 days
• Home to textiles, pottery, brassware, woodcraft, paintings, jewelry, and more
• A food plaza featuring regional cuisines from every corner of the country
• Live performances, workshops, and folk art demonstrations make it a complete cultural destination

Dilli Haat revolutionized how India’s craftspeople approached business. For the first time, artisans had a reliable, urban, year-round retail venue. It also provided real-time customer feedback, crucial for shaping demand-driven innovation in traditional crafts.

This permanent haat model, supported by organizations like the Dastkari Haat Samiti and pioneered by cultural advocate Jaya Jaitly, has since inspired similar markets in Pitampura, Janakpuri, and other cities.

“Dilli Haat gave us identity and respect as artisans,” says Mohan Lal, a craftsman from Rajasthan. “It’s not just a place to sell—it’s a place to be seen.”

• Location: Opposite INA Market, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi
• Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Open all days)
• Entry Fee: Nominal (concessions for children and senior citizens)

As India grows more global, Dilli Haat remains rooted in its soil, bringing generations of artistry to a new generation of shoppers. It is not just a market—it’s a movement, a museum without walls, and a celebration of India’s timeless spirit.