Silk Mark Expo 2010 kicks off

The exhibition gave visitors a glimpse of the craftsmanship of weavers from various parts of the country like West Bengal, Bihar and Assam.

On Wednesday, several visitors were enthusiastic as craftsmen displayed their best works at their stalls. From Kashmiri shawls worth Rs 250 to traditional Assamese Silk Sarees worth Rs 25,000, there was something for every woman’s wardrobe at the fair.

If Central Silk Technological Research Institute(CSTRI) came up with silk denim garments which were soft to touch and light in weight, artists from Bargarh in Odisha displayed the elegant and traditional sarees of their state. According to B S Hubli, a technical assistant with CSTRI, the silk denim has been made by researchers at the Institute using mulberry and Eri Silk.

“The product is yet to be launched at the outlets. Due to the unique properties of silk, the denim retains shape and resist wrinkling also. As Eri silk is spun and  bulkier, the usage of the variety permits the body heat and air to pass freely through the open construction of the fabric,”he noted.

Know on batik

Another interesting feature of the exhibition is the stalls that demonstrate the process of making garments like Batik. The objective is to make people understand the various processes involved in the production of a garment. “The traditional saree of Odisha goes through at least 12 processes before reaching  the outlet. It takes us at least 12 days to complete it,” explained Mohammad Rasheed, a weaver from Bargarh, Odisha.   

Inaugurated by H Hanumanthappa, chairman of Central Silk Board, the exhibition also saw prominent Bangaloreans like actress Pooja Gandhi visiting the stalls. The fair will conclude on December 20.