It’s a riot of colours and festivities at the Rajasthaani Grameena Pradarshana Mela, which is on at the Chitrakala Parishat till June 2. Organised by the Rajasthan Art and Crafts, the exhibition has more than 115 stalls, displaying items that varies in style.
The minute one walks into the premises, there are a series of stalls that offer unique Orissa tribal jewellery, earrings with meenakari work, terracotta sets and earrings along with a variety of bangles, bracelets and anklets. Rahul, from one of the stalls, says, “There are lot of people asking for traditional Orissa jewellery made out of brass and terracotta. The designs and patterns brought here are authentic and affordable.”
The exhibition is also showcasing various silk and cotton products by artisans from across the country. One can find Shantiniketan kantha silk saris, Gujarati mirror work and designer kurtis, Kalamkari dress material, kantha dress materials, silk-cotton saris from Hubli, batik saris and dress materials from West Bengal, Bhagalpur silk dress material,
Benarasi silk, block print saris and cotton dress material from Bihar.
Apart from clothes, there are other interesting things for the household, like ceramic vessels –– cups and saucers, bowls; wooden and brass stools –– ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 16,000 a set; metal flower pots from Rs 800 onwards, terracotta figurines, Tanjore art and murals.
“Of the many interesting stalls that have a lot to offer for women, the stalls with blouses and skirts, kurta pyjama, and more for kids; and the stall with khadi shirts and kurtas for the men, are an added offering,” says Reshmi Ponnappa, a retired teacher, who came shopping with her grandchildren.
Khadrinath Begalur, a teacher in the City, says, “I’ve always been enticed by the artistry of the country. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, the exhibition is an excellent place to hang out and soak the energy and workmanship of the artisans.”
The exhibition also includes daily attractions like Rajasthani puppet show, Dol Manjira and Katchi Godi dance.