The Kairali Handicrafts and Handloom Fair, organised by Handicrafts Development Corporation of Kerala Ltd. at the Believers’ Church hall in Thiruvalla, is drawing large crowds.
Major attraction
Artefacts and handloom textiles from different parts of Kerala, West Bengal, Bihar, Tirupur, Rajasthan, and Delhi are the major attractions at the fair.
Besides woven cotton fabrics, the fair features a variety of ethnic wears, gift items, pearls, puppets in wood and cloth, Rajasthani necklaces, paintings, idols, sculptures, attractive cloth and leather bags, etc.
Aranmula metal mirror (Aranmula Kannadi) is another key attraction at the fair. According to Tomy Sebastian, Kairali unit manager, the corporation has been getting orders for the mirror from different parts of the district. The public response to the fair, primarily aimed at encouraging artisans, is very warm, he says. The handloom section consists of a variety of cotton and silk saris and bed sheets.
Mr. Sebastian says there has been high demand for the exquisite bronze sculptures and lamps, laminated copies of Ravi Varma paintings, and a variety of handicraft items supplied by cottage industries at the fair. The fair will come to a close on Friday.