“This is beautiful,” gushes Jayashree Nandola, as she examines the diya set at UMS Divine Lamps, at The Hindu MetroPlus Lifestyle Show in Codissia. A regular visitor of the exhibition, Jayashree says she stumbles upon something unusual every time she comes to the show. “Here, I get to see new designs; especially home décor ones which I do not find regularly in other shops,” she says.
From fridges, LCD television sets and washing machines to wall hangings, grinders and mops, there is something here for all.
The show features around 127 stalls from across the country.
Elegant furniture is definitely the highlight. One is tempted to plonk oneself on the mahogany coloured sofa sets with plush cushions at Furniture Point. Abhi Imports and Exports showcases bedroom sets, featuring a wardrobe, dressing table and cot, imported from China, Malaysia and Indonesia. They also stock spring, gel and foam mattresses.
If you travel a lot, do visit Wintrack Designss. It has foldable mats with thin mattresses attached to them that serve as both temporary beds and yoga mats. Priced Rs. 1,200 and Rs. 1,400, these are ideal for long trips. The stall also displays moodas from Rajasthan. Priced between Rs. 2,900 and Rs. 5,300, they come with colourful Rajasthani craft work.
Suddenly, a whirring noise drowns the voice of the customers and salesmen. Jawahear is demonstrating how to use an oil free snacker, a kitchen appliance that allows you to fry vegetables, pop corn, pappads and fryums without using oil.
He fills the snacker with tiny fryums and switches it on. The blower inside turns, filling the snacker with hot air and making the fryums swirl. “Sir, it will take you a minute to make these snacks. You could also toast your bread by placing it over the snacker,” he tells a prospective customer, who nibbles a popcorn that flies out of the snacker.
Then there is the Gas Safe that ensures safe cooking. Priced at Rs. 2,495, this is a small device that you fit on the top of your gas cylinder. If there is a leakage, it ensures that the supply from the cylinder is cut off.
There are saris, jewellery and footwear. Shakambari Silks from Chennai has brought Kanchipuram silks, cotton silk saris, and Assam silk saris, priced between Rs. 800 and Rs. 25,000.
“The Assam silk saris will go down well with the ladies who love silk. With unconventional designs and colours, they look traditional and modern at the same time,” says Charanya Narayanaswamy.
If you are into funky jewellery, the terracotta jewellery stall put by Nandini Raju from Bangalore is a must visit. The pretty jhumkas and heavy neckpieces, priced between Rs. 70 and Rs. 700 are attractive. Nandini, who had a passion for jewellery, started the venture on a small scale. Business grew by word of mouth and now she tours the country displaying their wares for exhibitions and boutiques. She says that in the last few years, the demand for terracotta ornaments has grown. “These are natural and made with clay. And you do not have to take them off while you are bathing as these are painted in acrylic. The colours do not fade when they are wet,” she adds.
An aroma of cotton candies, chutneys and filter coffee wafts in the air as one reaches the eatery section. The stalls serve pani puri, bhel puri and chaat items.
Do not miss the food stall of R. Nagalakshmi from Chennai, who claims that there isn’t a single soul in Purasawalkam back home in Chennai who is not a fan of her piping hot paniyarams.
(The show is open at Codissia Trade Fair Complex (HALL A), Avanashi Road till October 13 from 10 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. All major credit cards are accepted. Samsung is the title sponsor and the co-sponsor is Venus Electronics)
