The Beginning – Diwali 2020
The story of Uttarakhand Haat began during Diwali 2020, a time when the world was navigating the challenges of COVID-19. To make Diwali special at home, my wife created beautiful Aipan art pieces – including Aipan pooja thals, painted diyas, and decorative torans for doors.
When we shared pictures of these items on social media, the response was overwhelming. Many people asked, “Where did you get these from?” and complimented the beauty of the pieces. It struck me that there was a genuine interest in traditional Uttarakhandi crafts, and that people wanted access to them online.
The Idea – Bringing Uttarakhand’s Art Online
At that time, I was working in Delhi as a Digital Marketing Trainer, with institutes closed and work-from-home in place. After office hours, I checked domain availability for UttarakhandHaat.com, and to my delight, it was available.
The word “Haat” means market or bazaar, and I realized this could be the perfect platform to connect artisans with buyers. I purchased the domain and built a small website with just a couple of products, initially to demonstrate e-commerce concepts to my students.
Expanding the Collection
Soon, I researched and sourced additional products reflecting Uttarakhand’s culture and spirituality, such as temple replicas and Char Dham-related items. Initially, it was a single-person operation – I personally handled every small order, packing and shipping them myself.
A Turning Point – Discovering Local Artisans
During the COVID-19 second wave and lockdown, we returned to our hometown Ranikhet. As restrictions eased, we decided to explore the state. On a trip from Ranikhet to Gairsain, we stopped at a small shop for tea. There, we noticed beautiful woodcraft products, including hand-carved wall hangings.
Curious, I asked the shop owner about the origin of these crafts. He explained that he makes these items himself and used to sell them to tourists during Char Dham Yatra. With the pandemic halting tourism, his main source of income was severely impacted, and he was now just managing with tea sales.
This encounter was a defining moment – I realized how COVID-19 had affected artisans and their livelihoods, and it inspired me to find a way to promote local craftsmen and their traditional arts.
The Birth of Uttarakhand Haat Marketplace
After reflecting on this, I decided to transform Uttarakhand Haat into a full-fledged marketplace. Today, it has grown beyond a small website – we now have over 100 sellers and 500+ products, all handmade and authentic, preserving Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage.
Uttarakhand Haat is not just a marketplace; it is a movement to support artisans, sustain traditional arts, and bring the beauty of the Himalayas into homes across the world.
Our Mission
Empowering Artisans: Providing a platform where local artisans earn fair value for their craft.
Preserving Culture: Keeping traditional Uttarakhandi arts alive for future generations.
Celebrating Authenticity: Offering handmade, eco-friendly, and meaningful products to the world.