JOIN USThe 32nd International Trade Fair concluded on Tuesday but it will remain etched in our memories until next year when it is returns with a bang once again. For those who are always on a shopping spree will remember it as one-stop destination to get quality products while for others, especially South Indians living away from homes will cherish it is time for some nostalgia.
Be it Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh or Kerala, most of the state pavilions witnessed a huge rush throughout the week-long fair. From traditional food items, to decorative pieces, clothes and accessories, everything depicting the culture of southern states attracted huge crowds.
The Karnataka pavilion had a lot of artistic items like wood carvings, leather puppets, paintings and handloom sarees. Lavanya Kumar of Bangalore, has been participating each year with his wood carvings. “These carvings represent Dashavatar, Bhagwad Gita, Ganesha and Lord Vishnu. All are made on neem wood to make it fungus resistant and enamel paint is used to make them look beautiful,” says Lavanya.
What added colours to the Karnataka pavilion were leather puppets and brightly coloured lamps. The puppets shaped like animals and deities were intricately designed and multi-coloured. The smaller pieces were joined together with a lace to turn it into a wall hanging.
On the other hand, Andhra Pradesh pavilion glittered with jewellery. Jayprakash from Hyderabad showcased beautiful gold-plated jewellery. “We put our stalls each year but this year we have not received great response.
People visited our stalls but our sale was less,” says Jayprakash. The other attractive items here were the cotton and jute carpets in Kalamkari prints. “These carpets are made from natural fibre and with eco-friendly colours. The range of our carpets extends from Rs 300-Rs 3500 depending on the size,” says G Raju from Warangal.
Traders from Hyderabad also displayed designer wooden kitchenware and small decorative pieces.Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu pavilion promoted medicinal plants in a bid to promote some horticulture. Artists displayed ‘Panchdhatu’ idol of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga. A lot of eatables like pickles and snacks were widely purchased by the visitors. Similar was the scene at Kerala stall where choirs made coconut husk were in high demand besides the eatables.