It’s no secret that one of my favorite aspects of traveling to India is the shopping I’ll get to do once there. Nothing beats the low prices and otherworldly selections of places like Dilli Haat in Delhi, or Linkin Road in Bombay. I mean, what girl doesn’t love to pick up a pair of earrings for three US dollars, or a bejeweled silk dress decorated with Swarovski crystals for less than 40 bucks?! It’s extra special when I find nearly the same thing sold in the US for an exorbitant amount, as is the case with the currently super-trendy Simone Camille Kutchi embroidered bags - above left - seen hanging off the arms of every hot celeb… Yes, those are indeed THREE zeros next to the “2″ on this pink bag’s price tag!

But thank goodness you follow The Ajnabee and can find out about a wonderful event coming up this week at Asia Society. It’s an authentic Indian Folk Arts Market which will take place over the course of three days and is guaranteed to Desi-fy your wardrobe and add spice to your look. And who among us cannot afford to add a little flavor to their life? Actually, you can’t afford NOT to during this long, hot summer of ours!

India Abroad, the Indo-American Arts Council and the Crafts Council of India have co-organized this fantastic event at Asia Society, which will be taking place from July 15-17, between 12:30 to 4:30 p.m each day. For those who may not be familiar with Asia Society, they are conveniently located at 725 Park Avenue, right at 70th street and three blocks from the 6 train stop on 68th and Lex. Admission to the Market is free.

Featured artisans include Abdul Jabbar Khatri from Kutch, who will bring his Bandhini (Tie and Dye) work; Abdul Razak Khatri, also from Gujarat, will sell his Ajarakh Block Printed fabrics; Firdose Ahmad Jan from Kashmir will have Woven Pashmina Shawls for sale; Kankuben Lalabhai Parmar of Madhutra, Santalpur, Patan will have her Appliqué Patchwork available; and Shamji Vishram, from Bhuj, Gujarat will bring his Shawl Weavings to the sale.

Take it from someone who definitely likes her shopping, this is an event NOT to be missed. I’ll personally try to make it first day, first hour, so as not to miss a single item for sale! Think of the slightly higher prices on the items sold in NYC as a discount. A noticeable discount from the airfare and hotel costs of going to India to pick up these original, handmade treasures. In fact, the only fare you’ll need to attend this market is the $2.25 for the subway trip, deducted from your Metrocard. And no need to pay hefty luggage fees because of your purchases…

Top image courtesy of People.com - All others courtesy of Crafts Council of India