Bright hues, vivid motifs and expert artistry are redolent of the exhibition organised by the Utkal Hastasilpa Society, Rajasthan, offering a panoramic view of the craftsmanship of Indian artisans.
Crossing linguistic barriers, artisans prod visitors to dig deep into their pockets to take home the fare crafted by them. The expo proves a women's paradise with plenty of options to choose from in clothes and accessories. If it's unfussy and chic clothes you are looking for, there are kurtis starting from Rs. 125, while salwar kameez sporting the latest trends make for a dressy look. Ghagra cholis with striking gamthi print for children and muted cotton kurtas for men are also on sale.
Sambalpur sarees dyed in natural colours from Orissa priced between Rs. 400 and Rs.15,000 are this year's chief attraction as are the light Pochampalli and Venkatagiri varieties from Andhra Pradesh. There is plenty of bling thrown around with costume jewellery stalls luring visitors with pearl necklaces from Hyderabad, Jaipur lac bangles and one gram gold jewellery.
The latest on the shelf are necklaces stringed with ‘Rambo crystals' which come in various shapes and dual colours. Bag lovers are spoilt for choices with modern appliqué bags from Orissa, classy jute and cotton mixed bags from Calcutta, embroidered bhanjara bags from Andhra Pradesh and leather wallets from Kanpur.
Apart from a mound of curtains, rich divan sets and Panipet bed sheets, there are Jaipur thoranams with miniature elephants, Orissa lampshades with mirror work, Rajasthan paintings studded with semi precious stones to deck up interiors.
Jute wall hangings with designs of Donald Duck and colourful Chennapatnam wooden toys are fare for children. To wind up the shopping experience are a range of nibbles offering a concoction of flavours like coconut and badam, amla and honey, thulasi and ice cream supari.
According to manager Bhagirath Kumar, the expo has halted in the city for the second time, following last year's success. The exhibition is underway at the SRT Hall, II cross, Thillai Nagar till September 20 between 10 a.m and 9.30 p.m. A 20 per cent discount on handlooms and 10 per cent on handicrafts can be availed.
