From colourful Narikuruva beads and jewellery to the sublime three-ft Chola Nataraja and a hundred Nachiyar kovil brass lamps, Poompuhar’s Deepavali Fair has it all. On offer are quality handicrafts that make for creative gifts. Thombais for the unique welcoming touch, rosewood puja mandaps from Mysore, exquisitely crafted bronze icons from Swamimalai, Jaipur’s gem paintings and Tanjore art as well as handloom saris and textured fabric have arrived from many regions of the country.
For those looking for gifts with a difference there are new generation mural paintings from Kerala, a celebration of mythological, secular and figurative themes in colours obtained from Nature. Also compelling are Buddhas and depiction of rural idylls in batik, as well as a variety of terracotta lamps and diyas. The lamps in brass are a spectacular celebration of art, be it the tiniest or the six-ft ones with hamsas and parrots perched on top.
And there is more. Tiny parrot wall brackets for the home, pretty Rajasthan rasais for the cold days ahead, jute handbags for the environmentalist or a choice of wooden and glass beads and earring that are rooted in tribal tradition. Not to be missed are palmyra leaf boxes trays and baubles — perfect as gifts or as gift wrappings.
(The fair is on atValluvar Kottam Hall, Nungambakkam High Roadtill November 11)
