Rural artisans lay out their best

Cotton collection

Cottonfab13’, the exhibition by Awadh Hathkarga Hasthshilp Gramodyog Society being held at Chitrakala Parishat, depicts tradition in its various colours.

Working with a mission to revive and protect traditional art and craft, this exhibition is an attempt to provide a market for the artisans and weavers.

Products from 12 states are on display. This include Lucknowi chikan dress materials, saris and kurta pajama; tops from Uttar Pradesh; ethnic Gujarati print kurties and dress materials; Rajasthani block prints; embroidered saris, dress-material and shawls from Jammu and Kashmir; Orissa Sambhalpuri ikkat saris, Hubli saris and dress material etc.

Other items at the exhibition include Kota doria dress material, bandhej suits, skirts-top, maheshwari, baag print, Shantiniketan tant, kanthawork, Benaras silk and cotton saris.  Mats, runners and rugs, cushions covers, bedspreads, pillow covers, Rajasthani stone and metal jewellery and different kinds of  bags are also available at the exhibition. “At most of these exhibitions, it’s hard to find a stall with choices for men. I splurged at the khadi and cotton kurta stall, which had many options with a price range that anyone can indulge in,” says O P Prakash, an art director. “I’m here with my family. I often can’t find anything for my little girl, who’s just four years. But here, the stall with skirts in vegetable dye prints just amazed me and my cousin. There are options from size 0 to adult size,” says an excited Sharmila Kothari. “The response has been great till now. People do a lot of shopping even though it looks like they are holding back. Cheaper options are also available,” says Akarsh, a stall representative.
DHNS