A slice of Tamil Nadu at crafts mela

The panchaloha idols and other dolls at the entrance welcomes the visitors at the crafts mela and promises a variety of artefacts for those who scout around for a unique collection to bring a  touch of class and elegance to their drawing room.

You are not disappointed when you enter the mela as the huge Tanjore paintings that are kept for display is really an awe-inspiring sight.

A variety of colourful Tanjore paintings with different sizes mesmerises you with their uniqueness and attractive decorations with gold and silver filigrees and colourful stones will definitely make you think about the hard work of the artisans who had involved in bringing out master pieces.

A painting of Lord Venkateshwara adorned with all embellishments standing a good five feet tall, a smiling goddess Lakshmi beckoning the viewers, and a huge Anantha Padmanabha painting resting atop the Adisesha with beautiful ornaments, strikes a chord with the visitors with the recent Anantha Padmanabha episode of Trivandrum, where a huge wealth was unearthed.

Apart from this the cutest painting is that of the Thailand Sita, at her ‘vanvas’ in complete Thailand style. Lord Ganesha, Sharada, Dashavathara of Lord Vishnu, Shirdi Sai Baba, Krishna and a lot more to choose from.

Wide range

The paintings are available according to the size of your wallet ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10 lakh, but you have a 10 per cent rebate of whatever product you purchase.

One of the employees from Tamil Nadu said, artisans at a huge workshop in Chennai are involved in these paintings which are complemented with pure gold filigree.

Though he does not have much details about how much gold is used for every painting, he says the gold filigree come as a book and at a time they purchase 50 to 60 books and distribute it to the artisans.

There are many who impressed by this art have also pursued this as a hobby.

An array of panchaloha idols arranged for display though looks dull are much sought after in international market. Made of five metals it’s unpolished look itself gets that aura of an ancient sculpture. Beautiful brass items like huge traditional lamps, articles used for puja, small oil lamps, incense stick stand, candle stand, showcase articles and a lot more which are available at an affordable range beckons the visitors with their shine.

You have murals, traditional cotton sarees from Tamil Nadu, dress materials, one gram traditional gold jewellery and a lot more.

The expo organised by Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Corporation, known as Poompuhar organise craft melas throughout the year, with the support of Development Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India has come to Mysore for the second time to display their products. This is organised to help artisans to market their products.

The expo is being held up to August 8, between 11 am and 9 pm at Institution of Engineers.

So, if you want to break free from the monotonous collection of potteries and flowers visit the crafts mela and see what you can pack home .