JOIN USDiverse crafts on same platform
Crafts Bazaar 2010, a handicraft mela organised by Srinidhi Arts and Crafts in Hemchandra Sagar Kalyana Mantapa, Near Ashoka Pillar, Jayanagar 3rd Block, is thronging with visitors.
This exhibition has brought alive diverse craft cultures from several regions and is providing a perfect ambience for year-end shopping.
The stalls at the expo offer a range of items from dresses to wall-paintings.
When it comes to fabrics, there are traditional hand-woven Kalamkari, Pochumpalli saris, Bandhini salwar suits and saris, Bengal silk and cotton saris, Kathawada and Gadwal saris, kurtis and salwar suits. Hand-crafted wooden artifacts like toys from Channapattana and Rajasthan and wooden carved idols from Andhra Pradesh are attracting many visitors.
These apart, you can pick shawls and blankets from Kashmir, paintings from Orissa, Tanjavur paintings and other artwork.
Apart from buying products directly from artisans, the customers can also watch demonstrations at the mela.
As a special gesture to the artists, this year a free eye check-up and cataract treatment has been organised in association with Narayana Nethralaya.
“I have been coming to Bangalore since 10 years to take part in various craft exhibitions. We make block-printed saris of bagru work using vegetable dyes. The response from Bangaloreans has been really good so far. This year, for the first time, we are undergoing an eye check-up which is really a heart-warming thing and we are thankful for the concern”, says Vrishkanta from Rajasthan.
While providing business opportunities to the artists, the expo is a wonderful opportunity for the customers to buy authentic products.
Says Vimala Naidu, a resident of Jayanagar, who visited the expo to buy decorative items for her newly-built home.
“I have purchased some bronze idols from Madhya Pradesh and dry flowers from Manipur for my home. This year, there is more variety at the stalls. I also liked the colourful Rajasthani bangles and tribal jewellery. I have purchased shawls from Kashmir as well. As I am buying from the producers, there is no worry about the authenticity of the products and the price range is also affordable.”
The expo will be on till December 26, from 10 am to 9 pm. For details, call 9964365282.