An exhibition-cum-sale of handloom and handicraft products of Gujarat and its neighbouring states has much to offer for discerning customers looking to revamp their wardrobe and home décor.
Shoppers, especially women, who are seeking to add to their list of outfits, will be spoilt for choice at the fair. The handloom section consists of a variety of cotton- and silk-printed saris with traditional hand embroidery and designs. There are saris from Orissa, West Bengal, Gujarat and the North-eastern States.
Those who prefer understated elegance should have a ‘dekho’ at the Orissa counter and ask for ‘Sonia Gandhi saris’. The ‘Sonia Gandhi saris’ are single-coloured saris with a minimalistic border. Then there are Ikkat saris, salwar material, dupattas and running material in a variety of colours. Match the sari with S. Kumar’s range of Adivasi jewellery from Orissa. These pieces of jewellery made out of tree-gum, clay and stone powder mixed with terracotta are designed and produced by Kumar and his family at Ganjam, Orissa. “We are a family of seven who have been making traditional jewellery for generations. We won a national award for this design,” he says, pointing to a necklace and earring set in blue and green, which is inspired by the peacock. Women can also shop for kurtis, salwar-kurta sets, unstitched material, shawls, stoles and blouse pieces. The stall from Lucknow featuring chikankari-worked kurtas is worth stopping by. The stall has a host of chikan-worked kurtas with fine needlework in pastel shades.
Fans of jhumkis have a spectrum of these delightful bell-shaped danglers to pick from. Coming in various sizes and in rainbow colours, one can select jhumkis to match the clothes in your cupboard. Kurtas and khadi shirts for men, unstitched materials and blouse pieces, Channapatna toys from Karnataka, Jaipuri Chanyacholi, and a whole lot of traditional collections are the highlights of the fair.
To spruce up your home are a range of fascinating articles embellished with mirror work – cushion covers, bed spreads and bags by the tribal artistes of Gujarat.
There are also interesting knick knacks in ‘Assam wood’ from Uttar Pradesh, be it a piggy bank, an ‘antique’ telephone or delicately crafted tray.
The exhibition, organised by Gujarati Emporium, which is on at Jawahar Balbhavan till January 20, has something for everyone.
The art and craft fair is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
