The art and culture of the North East has come closer with the North East Crafts Bazaar, an exhibition showcasing handicrafts and handlooms of the eight states of North East — Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. This exhibition serves as a reminder of the reservoir of talent existing in these states.

The pure silk sarees with kantha work from Agartala are simply beautiful. Also on display are cotton sarees with handloom work. These sarees start from Rs 850 and go on till Rs 4,000 depending on the intricacy of the work done on them. The mogha sarees from Assam with pure tusser work cost anywhere between Rs 5,000 and Rs 8,000. “These sarees are extremely stiff due to the pure silk that has been used. They will last at least 50 years,” guarantees Deepak Aggarwal, an artisan.

In addition to sarees, there are salwar materials, shawls, stoles, bedspreads from Manipur and Nagaland. The Manipuri cotton sarees (ranging from Rs 640 to Rs 1200), dupattas (Rs 250 to Rs 300) and bedspreads (Rs 300 to Rs 600) are simple and elegant. One must definitely check out the nagamese woollen shawls, night gowns and jackets as well. For accessory lovers, there is an array of jute bags ranging between Rs 75 and Rs 175 and chappals with a fixed price of Rs 150. Wallets, small pouches and cellphone covers made of cane catch one’s attention as well.

North-Eastern art is reflected in the stained glass paintings, mina work and porcelain paintings of popular artist Pankaj Mohan, from whom one can even learn the art at the venue. The cane and bamboo artifacts such as lampshades, baskets, tables, chairs and furniture sets are eco-friendly and light up the entire space. Even idols of Ganesha made of bamboo roots are unique and beautiful and cost around Rs 450.

The wind-chime made of earthen bells is a sheer work of art that comes all way from Goripur in Assam. Plus the foot scraper made of mud costs Rs 40 and the Mohenjodaro art is worth Rs 500.

An initiative by the Ministry of Textiles to expose craftsmen to the market, this exhibition will be on at the Institution of Engineers on Queen’s Road till July 23 from 10 am to 9 pm.  

Deepa Natarajan