ELSA artisanal weekend opens at Bikaner house

The first day of the ELSA Artisanal Weekend opened on Saturday at Bikaner House, as women-led brands, alumni entrepreneurs and student initiatives transformed the heritage venue into a vibrant marketplace centred on craft, sustainability and community enterprise.

Organised by the Lady Shri Ram College Alumni Association (ELSA), the two-day exhibition features around 26 curated stalls this year, largely run by alumni, alongside student ventures and NGOs. On display are handwoven garments, Ajrak and Bandhani textiles, chikankari, handcrafted jewellery, home décor, pottery, stationery and artisanal foods, with participants travelling from Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Varanasi.

Describing the exhibition as a collective effort, executive committee member Binu Jha said the platform has grown through sustained alumni engagement. “This has been created from the heart — for the alumni and by the alumni. The alumni are like a river: senior members guide younger ones, and students are part of the process as volunteers,” she said, noting that nearly 97% of stalls are run by alumni entrepreneurs, alongside three student-led stalls and NGO initiatives.

Student social enterprise projects also drew steady interest. Ananya, representing Enactus LSR, said their work supports artisans and sustainability. “Our journals, tote bags and stationery are made from recycled and alternative materials. Projects like Saarthi and Muzaffar focus on generating livelihoods while promoting environmentally responsible production,” she said.

For alumni entrepreneurs, the exhibition offered a space to reconnect. Jyotsna Joshi, founder of Kalyaani and an LSR alumna (Batch of 1989), presented Kutch-inspired textiles. “I’ve worked in this field for 18 years, but this is my first time here. It feels like a reunion and a supportive space for alumni entrepreneurs,” she said.

Social enterprises such as Gestures Ecological, which works with artisans across 12 states, emphasised the livelihoods dimension of craft. “Everything here is handmade and supports local producers. The aim is to ensure dignified livelihoods while promoting sustainable products,” said representative Anshul Kapoor.

The exhibition continues on Sunday with cultural performances and wider public participation, reinforcing its role as a growing platform for women-led entrepreneurship and alumni-driven enterprise in Delhi.