Brics Cultural Fair Highlights Iranian Embroidery and Indian Handicrafts

The Brics Cultural Fair in New Delhi welcomed a notable delegation on September 12. Zohra Pejshakian, daughter of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, accompanied by husband Hassan Majidi and Union Minister Annapurna Devi, visited the exhibition that celebrates the artistic heritage of Brics members and affiliated nations.

The delegation inspected a series of national pavilions, with the Indian pavilion standing out for its display of regional textiles, bamboo crafts and metalwork. Zohra spent time at several artisan stalls, listening to stories of craft lineage and observing live demonstrations.

The fair’s objective is to integrate artisans, designers and creative enterprises from the Brics network, allowing them to present genuine hand‑crafted goods—including fabrics, jewellery, ceramics and other cultural products—to an international audience.

Two Iranian exhibitors drew particular attention. Nadia Karimi’s stall presented Baluchi embroidery, referred to locally as “doch.” This ancient hand‑stitching technique, spanning Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan, was fused with contemporary patterns to create pieces for her new brand “Taran,” which targets overseas consumers.

A second Iranian booth, curated by Amande‑h Sedghi, featured Rashti embroidery and traditional mirror work (shishe‑dūji). The exhibit illustrated how centuries‑old needlecraft can be adapted for modern utilities such as apparel, shoes and sandals while preserving the intricate aesthetic of the original art form.

The visit underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy within the Brics framework, illustrating how shared creative traditions can enhance mutual understanding among member states.