New Delhi, May 18: The National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, New Delhi, in association with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), inaugurated Ajrakh: The Blue Gold on May 18, 2026, at the Innovation Gallery, Textile Gallery II, on the occasion of International Museum Day 2026.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Ms. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, and Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Curated by Sunil Sethi and the FDCI team, the exhibition explores Ajrakh as a living textile tradition, tracing its journey from Kutch to contemporary fashion and design.
The Ajrakh exhibition examines the craft’s journey through various artistic applications. The display features works that highlight both its traditional foundation and contemporary evolution. Shelly Jyoti, a contemporary textile artist, explores a modern, experimental dimension via an extensive collection on Khadi. Master craftsman Khalid Amin Khatri’s modal silk ensemble demonstrates the discipline of the traditional Ajrakh process. Garments from FDCI designer Anju Modi showcases Ajrakh on linen, while Rajesh Pratap Singh showcases Ajrakh sarees on Kota textile. Additionally a few garments from FDCI designers, Divya Sheth and Sonia Jetleey showcase the craft in a wearable context.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Amrit Raj said, “International Museum Day reminds us of the important role museums play in preserving cultural heritage and creating meaningful dialogue between tradition and contemporary practice. Ajrakh is a living craft tradition that reflects extraordinary craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and generations of artisanal knowledge. This exhibition is a tribute to the master artisans and designers who continue to preserve and reinterpret this timeless textile language for newer audiences and future generations.”
Sunil Sethi added, “Ajrakh, often regarded as ‘The Blue Gold’, is a craft I have long admired for its remarkable precision, depth of process, and enduring beauty. Sustained by a limited number of master weavers and artisans, it continues to inspire a large number of our FDCI fashion designers who are thoughtfully incorporating this textile tradition into their contemporary collections. We are pleased to inaugurate Ajrakh: The Blue Gold on the occasion of International Museum Day at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, where the exhibition will remain on display for the next one month.”
An FDCI initiative, the Innovation Gallery is envisioned as a space for rotating exhibitions, with the goal of connecting traditional wisdom with forward-thinking artistic expression.
Ajrakh: The Blue Gold will remain open to the public for one more month at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
