With over 150 designs, Rang Mahal brings the best of West Bengal weaves to Kerala.
The saris and dress materials, in a variety of fabrics, pay tribute to the workmanship of the artisans in rural Bengal. Rang Mahal, a conglomeration of weavers from Nadia district in West Bengal, showcases the beauty of hand-dyes and hand-painting.
Traditional pattachitra painting on mulberry silks is the highlight this time. This range is also the most expensive starting from Rs. 8,000.
The most popular in Kerala is still the Tangail Nakshi range with big borders, says Sharmista Das Biswas, exhibition co-ordinator. “It is still the most loved and the most moving among our collections," she says. The rest of the collection includes jalchuris with contrast blouses, butadars, jamdhanis, baluchars and reshams in a variety of weaves and textures.
Hand paintings in wet canvas colours give an entirely new appeal to the saris. Sketches have also found their way into the fabrics this time. Graphic prints too seem to be in vogue. Traditional motifs from temples and sculptures and architecture too are getting increasingly popular.
The colours have undergone some change too. Apart from the standard Bengal cotton colours, an entire neon spectrum has been introduced, which includes bright pinks, yellows, aqua blues and vermillion reds.
The subtler beiges and ivories are also available.
From casual wear to party wear, there is a dress/sari for every occasion. The salwar kameez materials come with designs at the neck, but can be tailored according to one's own designs.
Needle work on cottons and silks, heavy pallus, block colours, asymmetric patterns come not just in saris, but in dress materials, too. The exhibition, which has been themed 'Onam Carnival' is on till July 22 at the Samsar Hall in BTH.
