Attractive handicrafts from the North East on display

Handicrafts on display at the ‘Purbashree’ organised by North Easterns Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation at Sri Vidya Sadan, adjacent to Maris Stella College, in Vijayawada on Wednesday. Photo: V. Raju.

Looking for exotic furniture that does not cost much, but are nevertheless eye catching? Then ‘Purbashree' exhibition being organised by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation at the Srividya Sadan hall next to Maris Stella College is the place to go to.

Exotic looking cane and bamboo furniture sets invite you into the exhibition-cum-sale. In the veranda are the popular dry flowers from Nagaland.

Special among the cane furniture are unique foldable panels.

The North Eastern Handicraft corporation assistant manager B.K.Dey said cane and bamboo furniture and fine basketry from Assam, Tripura, are available for very reasonable prices.

The famous Kuna mats and cushions of Meghalaya, Sital pattas and bags from Assam, wooden carvings from Meghalaya and woollen are some of the other attractions at the exhibition, Mr Dey said.

Garment section

In the garment section are silk sarees and mekhala chador of Assam, silk and cotton sarees of Manipur. The bedcovers from Manipur are also very hot selling items, he said. Various utility items like combs, trays, paper weights carved from various types of wood and horn are on sale.

The corporation had the support of the Ministry for the development of North East Region (DoNER). The exhibition was part of an effort to promote the rich heritage of the area.

The unique products were marketed through a network of six emporia in the country and abroad, Mr. Dey said.

Also available as side attractions are trinkets, wood carvings from Rajasthan, bedcovers from U.P., Delhi, and brass items from Tamil Nadu.