Rang Mahal is back, but with a difference. The exhibition of saris and dress materials from West Bengal, held in the city for the fifth consecutive year, is focusing on eco-friendly textiles this time. The hand woven fabrics have gone natural with no synthetic fibres or chemical dyes.
The striking yellows, oranges, greens, reds and blues come from vegetable and fruit extracts. The ‘Go Green’ theme has brought a delightfully bright spectrum to the expo. However, an equally interesting range of pastels, too are on display. The kota dress materials come in powder blues, baby pinks and soft greens in addition to mauves and dainty lemon shades. “These have been a huge hit with the Kochi crowd as they are exceptionally light and easy to manage,” says Sarmistha Das Biswas, exhibition co-ordinator.
The weavers have used the ‘Kapas’ yarn along with organic fibres from bamboo and even banana leaves. The materials, including the silks, can be hand-washed at home and the colours would not bleed, say the organisers. Since the materials are processed, they would last long, they say.
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Rang Mahal has been conducting exhibitions in Kerala for ten years now and seems to have captured the mood of the people here. This Onam edition offers a 20 per cent reduction on most materials. The saris come in a variety of materials and designs. The hand-painted, hand-woven Bengal ‘reshams’ are pieces of art by themselves. They come in sober and bold shades with exquisite motifs painted on them. “These saris showcase the traditional skill and creativity of the weavers,” says Sarmistha. Starting from Rs. 1,980 after discount, the price for these saris goes up to Rs. 10,000.
For those who are on the lookout for something dressier, check out the designer Jamdhani silks, which are in the Rs. 6,000 range. The ornamental saris, too, will be a good buy if there’s a wedding round the corner. These come with detailed embossed weaves called zardozi weaves. They are available in the Rs. 3,000 range. From a bright tomato red with gold thread design to a soft pink with gold and silver thread work, the variety in colours is mindboggling. Dupion and Kacchi silks too are on display. Among the cottons, the Baluchar saris can be ornate, with elaborate, embossed work.
The most popular among the Malayalis, however, are the Tangail Nakshi saris which are plain with ornate borders. “Their simplistic charm appeals to the women here,” says Sarmistha. A heavy wallet is not a pre-requisite. The Jalchuri saris which come in vibrant durees through the body with contrast border, pallav and blouse, fall into the ‘budget category’. They are available from Rs. 560 upwards.
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An interesting range of designs—block prints, longitudinal stripes, hand-weaves—are available in the salwar-kurta material collection.
The exhibition is on till July 14 at the Bharat Tourist Home.