The month-long Sahara Arts and Crafts exhibition in the city, which commenced on Friday (August 8), has handicrafts and handlooms from across the country on display.
Being held at the Scouts & Guides Grounds behind the Deputy Commissioner’s office, the objective of the expo is to bring artisans and customers to a common platform.
The organisers of the mela said there was a perception that handicrafts was in decline due to poor patronage.
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However, such exhibitions not only open up the market for artisans but are an exposure to the general public about the rich diversity of handicrafts and handlooms of the country.
Sale proceeds A key aspect of such exhibitions is that the sale proceeds go directly to artisans and this not only helps them sustain themselves but also the craft.
Wooden handcrafted materials, furniture from northeastern States made of bamboo, brass items from Moradabad and handloom materials from different centres of Uttar Pradesh, silver filigree works and Pattachitra from Odisha, Rajasthan block print dress material and bedsheets, Hyderabadi peals, Khurja crockery are on display at the expo.
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Twice a year Rakesh Kumar of Sahara Arts and Crafts said the exhibition has products from virtually all States of India including the famed Kashmir shawls, UP carpets and terracotta products from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
The exhibition has travelled to different parts of the country and is held twice a year in Mysore. It will conclude on September 7.