JOIN USThe ‘Kala Madhyam Handloom and Handicrafts Mela’, at Basava Bhavan, is a celebration of colour and tradition. With around 60 stalls from 22 states of the country, the exhibition has a lot to offer.
When one enters the location and walks past the terracotta pottery and ceramic products on the steps to the hall, they are greeted by a table with herbal products. Turmeric extract, organic jaggery, aromatherapy products and other such items can be found there.
Enter the hall and a mix of household products and items for the wardrobe await you. There’s one stall dedicated to trendy jute bags from Rs 60 to Rs 550, in different colours and sizes,.
In terms of clothing, there’s kasuthi, khadi, ikat, chanderi saris, kantha, bandani, chikan and maheshwari saris, items with crochet-work and kurtas for men. For those who are on the lookout for accessories, there’s loads to chose from like thread jewellery, white metal, meenakari items, banjara work, lac bangles, terracotta sets, silver jewellery, dhokra and pearl and stone jewellery. “Something unique this year are the newspaper earrings. They are extremely trendy and being exported to Singapore and other places too,” says a representative of a stall from Pondicherry.
Household decorations and items like marble figurines from Agra, grass table mats, wall hangings, floor mats, stone pottery and vessels from Manipur are some of the other items at the exhibition. One stall with detailed Madhubani artwork from West Bengal has a lovely variety. Ashok Kumar Das, an artist whose stalls have paintings from Rs 550 onwards, says, “We’ve been doing this artwork as a family tradition. Much concentration and careful detailing go into each of these pieces. If one small mistake is made, it will stand out.”
He adds, “Each of these works has a theme — while one depicts fish, symbolising good luck, another showcases Radha and Krishna for love.”
Even though it’s been pouring in the City, the exhibition has still got its fair share of visitors. Neeraj K S, a teacher who was at the exhibition, says, “I love artwork and the karigari of our artisans. I’m here to capture some images of the works for a documentary I’m making. Also, the durries and other household items that are available here are very
enticing.”
Anuradha Kushalappa, a fine arts student, opines, “I’m deeply impressed by the works that are seen here. I hope there will be more exhibitions like this in the
future.” The exhibition is on till June 9.