The hands that keep India’s crafts alive

Kaarigari is a four-part digital micro documentary series by Aditya Birla Group that journeys into India's living heritage, through the artisans, crafts and communities that continue to preserve timeless traditions with skill, patience and pride.

From handwoven textiles to ancient metal craft, the series celebrates not just what is made, but the hands that make it, the lives shaped by it, and the hope that keeps these traditions moving forward.

The first episode of Kaarigari explores the world of Extra Weft durries and shawls from the arid landscapes of Kutch (Bhuj), where every thread carries memory, identity and meaning.

Through the lives of Babu Bhai, a master artisan who continues to weave these traditions by hand, the film captures how craft can become a source of dignity, livelihood and continuity.

Dokra is one of India's oldest metal craft traditions, shaped through an intricate lost-wax process that demands imagination, patience and extraordinary skill. Every piece is handmade, carrying the imprint of the artisan and the character of the community it comes from.

This episode enters the world of Pradeep, a Dokra artisan, to understand a craft that is ancient yet alive. It captures the delicate balance between heritage and livelihood, and the importance of creating new opportunities for traditional art forms to find relevance with contemporary audiences.