The Vasant Kunj Mall area in South Delhi has welcomed a unique addition to its luxury shopping landscape. The Kunj, India’s first mall dedicated entirely to handicrafts and handlooms, opened in September 2025 under the Ministry of Textiles. This innovative space joins established shopping destinations like DLF Emporio, DLF Promenade, and Ambience Mall.
The Kunj: A New Shopping Experience
Unlike traditional government emporiums, The Kunj operates on a public-private partnership model. Moreover, it positions Indian craftsmanship as luxury rather than charity. The mall features glass-front shops, escalators, and tasteful lighting that create an upscale atmosphere.
Currently, the Kunj houses around 20 brands showcasing India’s finest artisan work. Additionally, it includes a Craft Demonstration Program where artisans create their art live in front of visitors.
Major Shopping Destinations Overview
| Mall Name | Specialty | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| The Kunj | Handicrafts & Handlooms | 20+ artisan brands, live demonstrations |
| DLF Emporio | Luxury Shopping | 185 stores (74 international brands) |
| DLF Promenade | Fashion & Lifestyle | Major fashion brands, dining |
| Ambience Mall | Large-scale Retail | Food courts, cinema, and entertainment |
Featured Brands at The Kunj
The mall showcases several innovative brands that work directly with artisans:
- Khol Khel: Offers handcrafted traditional Indian games like chess sets carved from bone, wood, and pearl. Prices range from ₹5,000 to ₹10 lakh.
- P-TAL: Revives Punjab’s UNESCO-listed brass and copper craft. Items start at ₹1,800.
- Pashmina Goat Project: Features luxury Pashmina shawls, taking up to seven years to complete.
Furthermore, the Kunj displays high-end pieces like sandalwood statues priced at ₹18 lakh and handloom silk paintings for ₹1.15 lakh.
Artisan-Focused Approach
The Ministry of Textiles invites artisans to demonstrate their crafts, covering their travel and accommodation. Subsequently, artisans receive payment directly from sales without intermediaries. This model ensures fair compensation for their work.
Hadibandhu Behera demonstrates Dhokra metal-casting art, creating brass elephants through traditional techniques. Meanwhile, Ganesh Paswan showcases Madhubani paintings on handmade paper, continuing his family’s artistic legacy.
Luxury Shopping Hub
Beyond The Kunj, Vasant Kunj remains Delhi’s premier luxury shopping destination. DLF Emporio features world-famous brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Cartier, and Armani. Similarly, DLF Promenade attracts shoppers with its extensive fashion collections.
Ambience Mall offers comprehensive entertainment with multiplexes, numerous restaurants, bars, and extensive food courts. Therefore, visitors find everything from shopping to dining under one roof.
Recent Challenges
In October 2025, these malls faced a temporary water crisis when private tanker supplies stopped. Consequently, washrooms and restaurants experienced disruptions. However, authorities quickly resolved the situation by restoring the government water supply and implementing contingency measures.
Visitor Information
- Location: Mehrauli-Mahipalpur Road, South West Delhi
- Nearest Metro: Chhatarpur station (Yellow Line)
- Timings: Most malls open around 10 AM and close by 11 PM
- Parking: Ample parking facilities are available
Looking Forward
The Vasant Kunj Mall area continues evolving as a complete lifestyle destination. While luxury shopping remains its strength, The Kunj adds cultural depth by celebrating Indian artistry. Therefore, visitors can now experience everything from international fashion to traditional handicrafts within the same neighborhood.
