A wide selection to choose from

The much-awaited annual Cottage Mela, organised by the Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE), is taking place at Safina Plaza. From Dhokra brass craft to Madhubhani paintings from Bihar; from woollen shawls from Gujarat to Rajasthani bangles, the exhibition has it all!

   Visitors can come and interact with the skilful artisans themselves, spend time understanding the intricacies of the art form and purchase the items once they know the
value. “This concept provides the ideal platform for the cultural and artistic interchange of knowledge between artisans and visitors,” says S Mukherjee, the AGM of CCIE.

“Several artists who are national and state-level awardees from various parts of India are participating here. It is a good chance for Bangalore to see their unique crafts,” he adds.

At the exhibition, one can find craftsmen who have been coming here for years. Then there are those who are getting such an exposure for the first time. “I make pattachitra paintings in Orissa, which depict stories from the Bhagavad Geeta and the Ramayana. The manuscripts are made on palm leaves and can take anything from two days to six months per piece,” explains Devadutta Pradhan, a first timer at the mela.

“What is special about the paintings is the use of stone colours. We crush seashells for white, lamp soot for black and stones from the tribal hills for blues and reds. I haven’t gotten a good response so far in terms of sales. But I am still optimistic because people are showing interest in the craft itself,” says the artisan. For the visitors at the exhibition, there were more than enough options to choose from. “There is a lot more variety than there used to be.

The kind of products that they are showcasing are very interesting and even the price range is very reasonable,” says Ritu Bhatnagar, who visits the exhibition every year. The exhibition is on till August 26 and will be open from 10 am to 7 pm.