In a beautiful fusion of tradition and festivity, Indian artisans are breathing new life into Christmas decor with their centuries-old crafts. Pritha Dasmahapatra, an Indian gynaecologist currently based in London, recently showcased these handmade treasures on her Instagram page, @tiptopped, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship.
“I have a personal interest in Indian handloom and handicrafts, and I’ve been studying and advocating for the crafts community. On Instagram, I try to share the stories behind these crafts, highlight their history and heritage, and encourage my audience to buy directly from the artisans,” Pritha tells The Better India.
These unique Christmas decorations, created by artisans across India, have also found their way into prestigious London stores such as Harrods, Selfridges, and Liberty. “By purchasing directly from the artisans, you can bring these works of art into your home at an affordable price,” she adds.
Here’s a closer look at the beautiful handmade Christmas treasures Pritha introduced on her social media.
1. Papier-mâché tree ornament baubles
Coming from: Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir
These exquisite Christmas baubles are made from Kashmir’s 15th-century papier-mâché art form. The process involves crafting paper pulp items, which are then delicately hand-painted with detailed and colourful designs. These baubles bring a touch of traditional craftsmanship to your Christmas tree, with the added benefit of being available at a fraction of the cost when purchased directly from the artisans.
Reach out to @saalimmaqbool on Instagram for more details.
2. Zari zardozi tree ornaments
Coming from: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
The elegant Zari Zardosi tree ornaments are handcrafted in Agra. The intricate Zardosi embroidery, celebrated for its rich history in Indian textiles, adds a luxurious, regal touch to any Christmas decor. These ornaments are beautifully stitched with metallic threads, creating a gleaming, festive effect that is both timeless and elegant.
Reach out to @avezakhtar on Instagram for more details.
3. Wooden Christmas bells
Coming from: Channapatna, Karnataka
Handmade by traditional wooden toy artisans from Channapatna, Karnataka, these wooden Christmas bells are part of a growing collection of festive items crafted in the region. For years, artisans from Channapatna have been known for their unique craft of creating wooden toys, and now they have adapted their skill to create charming, hand-painted Christmas ornaments, including bells and other delightful trinkets.
Reach out to @varnamcraftcollective on Instagram for more details.
4. Hand-embroidered cushion covers
Coming from: Madhya Pradesh
These cushion covers, made by women artisans from underprivileged backgrounds in Madhya Pradesh, are meticulously hand-embroidered with festive patterns. The designs are both sophisticated and contemporary, offering a beautiful way to add warmth to any home during the holiday season. According to Pritha, these handmade cushion covers have yet to appear in the UK markets.
Reach out to @ahambhumika on Instagram for more details.
5. Naga weave cushion covers
Coming from: Nagaland
Pritha has also procured eco-friendly and stunning cushion covers woven from nettle fibres in Nagaland. These handwoven cushion covers offer a sustainable yet beautiful alternative to traditional holiday decor, with each piece crafted by skilled women artisans. The texture of the nettle fibres makes these covers a standout addition to any festive arrangement.
Reach out to @vekuvoludozo on Instagram for more details.
6. Patchwork cushion covers
Coming from: Uttarakhand
For those looking to add a playful and colourful touch, the patchwork applique cushion covers from Uttarakhand are a perfect choice. Crafted by women artisans from the Himalayan region, these vibrant designs brighten up any space, creating a cheerful and distinctive atmosphere for Christmas and beyond.
Reach out to @purkalstreeshakti on Instagram for more details.
7. Kalamkari block-printed bunting
Coming from: Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh
The festive bunting from Machilipatnam features intricate Kalamkari block prints, a traditional art form renowned for its hand-painted and printed designs. Perfect for Christmas parties or other celebrations, this versatile decor piece brings elegance and cultural charm to any gathering. Pritha noted that she often reuses the bunting year-round for various occasions.
Reach out to @kalamkarisrinu on Instagram for more details.
Edited by Khushi Arora; All photos courtesy Pritha Dasmahapatra
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