Shilpgram is a rural crafts village located 3 KM west of Fateh Sagar. It was inaugurated in 1989 by Rajiv Gandhi. The complex stretches across almost 70 acres of land and is surrounded by the Aravalli range. Inside the complex are 26 village houses from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, and Rajasthan. It acts as a living museum, showing the lifestyle and customs of the tribal folk of India’s Western region. At Shilpgram, one can purchase traditional crafts and items for everyday use. The products are made from wood, terracotta, metal or cloth. Since the village people are self-sufficient, the complex has its own potter, carpenter, weaver, and blacksmith. The property also houses an open-air amphitheater where theater and traditional arts are performed. There is a 10-day fair in December, which draws in performers and artisans from all over India.
Shilpgram is a heritage crafts village that is located about 3 km west of Fateh Sagar in Udaipur. Spread over a large area of 70 acres, the village displays an array of traditional mud huts and wood-houses, enhanced with straw and sticks. Here you can find all the rural items like pottery, handmade paintings, wooden furniture, and much more. What makes the experience more special is the nicely set background of traditional dancing on folk music. Shilpgram can be almost deserted by artisans, performers, and visitors. The best time to come is during the Mela (fair) in the last 10 days of December: it’s a fantastic spectacle, often with hundreds upon hundreds of artisans and performers from all over India in attendance. Shilpgram Mela is famous for its handicrafts and artwork – it is a fair, ideal for trying out the handicrafts in the form of clothes and accessories of Rajasthan.
Shilpgram Mela is held annually in the west of the city of Udaipur. Shilpgram Crafts Fair is organized to promote the art and craft of Rajasthan. Since Rajasthan has always been famous for its handicrafts and artwork, this fair is a perfect destination to try out the handwoven clothes, embroideries, mirror works, and handicrafts. The handwoven clothes and camel leather items grab the major attention of visitors in this fair. In the Shilpgram fair, a program is organized by the name of Shilpdarshan. This program is arranged to reveal the skills of traditional performing artists and sell their goods. While strolling in the fair, you will also come across the Craft Bazaar where numerous works are displayed for sale. Here, you can get the best deals of Rajasthani handicrafts. You can also buy things for your relatives and friends as souvenirs.
While you would shop and explore handicrafts, various musicians and dancers will entertain you with their respective arts. Shilpgram Crafts Mela is certainly a sincere effort to give recognition to the local arts of remote villages of Rajasthan. Your visit to this fair would allure you towards the ethnic rural arts and crafts.
History of Shilpgram
The Shilpgram is an ideal place to interact and explore the artistic fervor of the Indian culture. It is a place where history, culture, and heritage are bound together to offer a ravishing image of a glorious Indian past. Rajiv Gandhi inaugurated Shilpgram in the year 1989. The place is situated in the old countryside of Udaipur to give an unbiased portrayal of the rural life of artisans. The Shilpgram festival conducted in the last ten days around the year-end is an age-old tradition. The artisans and performers flock here from all over to the country to showcase their talent and high spirits.
Architecture of Shilpgram
Surrounded by several huts, Shilpgram is constructed in the old architectural style to offer the feel of rural markets. The small huts are built using mud and natural building material to give the real picture of the ethnic diversity of the western states of India. The hut offers workspace to occupational dwellers making the place a lot livelier. Every hut or traditional village house has a distinct style and features reflecting the history and culture of each state it is representing. The occupational homes of the artisans are constructed in an adjoining manner to reflect the concept of “Unity in Diversity” There are about 26 huts which include five from Rajasthan, five from Maharashtra, five from Goa and seven from Gujarat.
Shilpgram Art and Crafts Festival
The Shilpgram Art and Crafts Festival/ Fair takes place every year in December end for 10 days. A highly awaited event, the fair is attended by scores of people from across India and even the world. For those who love to learn about new techniques and forms of craft, appreciators who love to collect art from all over the world, and ethnographers, photographers, vacationers, this fair is a multicultural gala. During the Shilpgram Festival, artists and craftsmen from the rest of the country also set up shops in the village, turning it into a grand spectacle. It’s a wonderful platform to observe the diversities in work and cultures. The fair is also a necessary platform for traders to meet. The festival is how interest is generated in rural crafts and most of the revenue for the communities is generated. You can also treat yourself and purchase unique keepsakes. Shop to your heart’s content things you may not find again – hand weaved and exquisitely embroidered clothes, glass-work, furniture, jewelry, numerous kinds of handicrafts, and other trinkets.
Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex spread over 70 acres against a beautiful backdrop of the Aravalli Ranges. Conceived as a living ethnographic museum, it showcases the lifestyles of local indigenous communities. It is a good place to purchase traditional arts and crafts. This is a small heritage village near Udaipur. It is famous for the Shilpgram art fair that takes place once in a year. If you missed the fair, you can always visit the village and shop items like pottery, paintings, clothing, handicraft items, and others. Tourists can enjoy the village and shop from 11:00 AM to 07:00 PM. A unique crafts fair located north-west of Udaipur, Shilpgram beautifully displays the local art and culture of Rajasthan. It is also the venue of the Shilpgram Mela, a crafts fair held every year in November/December. A visit to Shilpgram makes for a truly fascinating experience and visitors can also buy beautiful handicrafts, hand-woven clothes, mirror work, and embroidery work items. At Shilpgram, one can purchase traditional crafts and items for everyday use.
The products are made from wood, terracotta, metal or cloth. Since the village people are self-sufficient, the complex has its potter, carpenter, weaver, and blacksmith. The property also houses an open-air amphitheater where theater and traditional arts are performed. There is a 10-day fair in December, which draws in performers and artisans from all over India. Shilpgram also has a swimming pool and a restaurant. It recreates an Indian village setting. If you’re an admirer of hand-crafted stuff, this is a place to be. The hand-painted pottery articles along with other items made of clay are available here. The khadi items are also present in a shop or two. There is a shop with uncut glass articles which is quite new for the people. The puppet show is worth watching when you visit this place. There are few permanent stores that are operational throughout the year, while the most awaited Shilpgarm fair takes place in December end where people from all across the country put their stalls.
Shilpdarshan is a continuing activity at Shilpgram in which traditional performing artists and craftsmen are used to draw from the interior villages of the member states. They are regularly invited to exhibit their skills and to demonstrate their crafts and sell their masterpieces to have direct access to the buyers. This program has encouraged rural craftsmen and performers in a big way. The Shilpgram has become an important landmark in India and the Government of India has decided to replicate them in all the Federal States of India.
Shops in Shilpgram
The same holds for artisans when it comes to the facilities provided by the government. Each one is given a shop to showcase its products, along with stay and food options inside Shilpgram premises. Apart from these, there were several other shops, exhibiting Kurtas, ready to wear dress materials, mirror work, woodwork, other handicrafts, nail art, tie-dye fabrics, hand block printed bed sheets and fashion jewelry.
Shilpgram Festival Udaipur
The Shilpgram Festival is organized every year from 21 December to 31 December. The Shilpgram Fair (Shilpgram Mela), a part of the festive celebrations, serves as a destination for handwoven clothes, embroideries, mirror works, and handicrafts. Mela aids in encouraging the urban potters, visual artists and designers and the cottage industry of Rajasthan. The Festival provides opportunities for learning craft skills through various workshops. Cultural programs during the evening and the local food stalls attract many visitors and locals.
Places to Visit in Shilpgram Complex
The complex is mainly focussed on art and crafts of the rural and tribal areas of Rajasthan and other few states. There are several huts which are best known for shopping in Shilpgram. In these traditional, daily use items, like earthenware, textile, wooden and metal things, beautiful decoratives are highlighted with fitting signage and illustrative points of interest with the target to give a reasonable look at the general population and their possessions.
Crafts Bazaar
Crafts Bazar in the fashion of a traditional ‘heat’ was made where visitors could buy traditional crafts from the Zone. Craftsman was invited periodically to demonstrate their skills and sell the crafts to the visitors at the Shilpgram.
Coffee shop or café in Shilpgram is distinctly different from the traditional pubs and old-fashioned diners. They have a contemporary styled venue creating a youthful, modern and outward-looking place. Becoming increasingly popular as a place to congregate, focusing on providing coffee and tea, as well as light snacks, are the cafes. Have a heart-to-heart conversation with friends, loved ones or important business deals while having a cup of freshly brewed coffee or yummy knick-knacks. The cafes serve a variety of savories and small bites of the likes of sandwiches and shakes. Various hotels located near the attraction boast of neat and snugly maintained cafes that cater to the guests’ needs. Kick start your day with a steaming hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea at the coffee shop or café in. Caffeine lovers can easily book with travel guru to enjoy other luxurious and exciting amenities along with the exhausting array of teas and coffee.
Things to Do at Shilpgram
Shilpgram has a plethora of things to do, view, and enjoy. This ten-day festival offers an unforgettable glimpse of the rural life of different western states of India with the help of artworks, dances, songs, stunts, and dramas. These artistic wonders not only entertain the viewers but also give a quick insight into the cultures. You can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Shilpgram by becoming a part of the crowd.
- You can dance to the local beats, taste local foods, look around at the breathtaking stunts like balancing on the ropes, swinging, walking on the pans.
- You can see art exhibitions; interact with the carpenters, potters, blacksmiths, weavers, needleworkers, and all the other occupational dwellers to learn about their struggles, successes, and failures. If you love hearing stories, this is the best thing to do.
- You can have a brief look at the tremendous artistic wonders in the form of mirror and beadwork, weaving, pottery, and embroidery. These are housed in the seven different huts from Gujarat. The intricately carved hut made up of wood belongs to the Gandhinagar region of Gujarat.
- The five shacks of Goa showcase the house of a fisherman and the potter’s hut along with the grass weavers and cane.
- The Maharashtra hut presents marvelous wall paintings, an ancient and traditional lost-wax casting work, leather slippers and dokras, and many more.
- If you wish to get a more profound knowledge of art and craft skills, you can attend the workshops and camps held at Shilpgram. You can also learn and observe the art of designing and decorating metal, terracotta, textile, wooden, and bamboo artifacts.
- If you have a knack for hoarding intricate pieces of arts, places like Shilpgram are just for you. You can buy some of the most incredible pieces of furniture, glass-works, exquisitely hand-spun and embroidered clothing, cute trinkets, jewelry, and stunning handicrafts.
- Along with rural workers, the contemporary urban visual artists, potters, designers and ceramists come together in Shilpgram to create marvelous pieces of art to be put in exhibitions every day.
- Shilpgram has a plethora of things to see and experience. If you visit at the time of special performances at the amphitheater, folk dances are a must-watch.
- Involving oneself in the many activities going on will leave a visitor with a lasting experience at Shilpgram.
Best Time to Visit Shilpgram
The Shilpgram is at its best in the month of December. In the last ten days of the year, the annual fair is conducted. The lively nature of the festival offers both educational benefits and entertainment. The Shilpgram takes place every year for the duration of 10 days from 21st December to 30th December.
Location of Shilpgram
Located in the western Udaipur, Shilpgram is situated at a distance of 3 Km from Udaipur city. Surrounded by the Aravali ranges, the Shilpgram is spread around 70 acres of undulating terrain, making a unique and unshakable place in the lap of nature.
How to Reach Shilpgram
Located about 10 km away from Lal Ghat, Shilpgram is situated at an easily accessible location. You can take a flight, train or a bus to reach Shilpgram.
- Airport – The Maharana Pratap Airport is located 23.3 Km away from Shilpgram. Once you out of the airport, you can take a private cab or use a taxi service to reach your location.
- Train – The Udaipur railway station is located 2.4 Km away from Shilpgram. You can take a cab or an auto-rickshaw from the station to reach Shilpgram.
- Public Transport – There is plenty of deluxe and non-deluxe buses available to and from Udaipur. State-run buses are the best option as they are both safe and comfortable.
Shiilpgram Udaipur 2019 Dates and Timings
Dates: 21st December 2019 to 31st December 2019
Time: 11:00 am to 07:00 pm
Closed On: This crafts village remains closed on Sundays
Best Visited With
- Group
- Solo
- Couple
- Family
Shilpgram Udaipur Phone and Mobile Number
02942 431304
08511 068969
Shilpgram Timings and Entry Fees
Shilpgram can be visited anytime during the year but the best time to visit Shilpgram is during the Shilpgram festival which is organized every year from 21 December to 31 December.
Major Attraction
The puppet show is a must-watch and later the customized puppets are also available for sale.
Shilpgram Entry Fees
- Rs. 30 per person for Indian Adults
- Rs. 15 per person for Indian Children
- Rs. 50 per person for Foreigner
Interesting Facts About Shilpgram
- One of the most exciting things about Shilpgram is how the festival amalgamates the rural and urban arts and crafts to offer a stunning product.
- You can enjoy famous camel rides around the Shilpgram.
A unique crafts fair located north-west of Udaipur, Shilpgram beautifully displays the local art and culture of Rajasthan. It is also the venue of the Shilpgram Mela, a crafts fair held every year in November/December. A visit to Shilpgram makes for a truly fascinating experience and visitors can also buy beautiful handicrafts, hand-woven clothes, mirror work, and embroidery work items. Shilpgram is a truly special place where you’ll have an unforgettable time interacting and learning from India’s artistic melting pot. Catch this incredible event with us!
