Falling under the Handicrafts Development Corporation of Kerala, Kairali has been promoting traditional arts and crafts of various Indian States since 1973. Apart from the usual pieces on display, the Monsoon Fest showcases exquisite mural paintings depicting various deities of Hindu mythology. These paintings, popularly known as ‘frescoes’, are found on the walls of temples built in ancient India and inside the Ajanta Bagh and Ellora Caves .
The collection at Kairali has traditional Kerala paintings, made by artists from in and around the State.
The exhibition-cum-sale has both original works as well as printed versions, which vary in price.
The section dedicated to Odisha crafts has a collection of palm leaf wall hangings which are specific to that State. Through its art, each piece narrates a story from Indian mythology. “This form of art contains many intricate designs and requires skilled hands. It takes a lot of effort just to produce one piece”, said Abdul Kareem, senior manager of Kairali.
Also on display are Bengal cotton sarees, which come in a variety of hues and prints and are named after the villages in which they were made. Jamdani, Baluchuri, Kantha, Puruliya are some of the types of sarees which are on sale at the fest. This unique collection comes under the Traditional Sarees of India Series , an initiative of Kairali. “It is difficult to find these sarees elsewhere, making this collection one of a kind”, says Aravindakshan, exhibition coordinator.
The exhibition will end on July 20.
