Shades of creativity under one roof

Myriad Options

The ‘Silk And Cotton Fab of India’ exhibition, which is on at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat, includes a collection of fabrics from across the country. The exhibition features artisans of the Gramin Hathkargha Audhyogik Utpadan Sahkari Samiti, who are showcasing their weaves in a variety of silk and cottons. The different textures included in the exhi­bition were uppadas, Benaras silks, gadwals, dharmavaram, jamdanis, jamawars and sambalpuris.

The stalls at the exhibition are showcasing various saris, dress materials, items of home decor and a plethora of designer clothes from different regions of the country. There is something for everyone who wishes to indulge in a bit of shopping.
Artisans from states like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal as well as designers from the metros are displaying their work here. “We have a variety of patterns and colours in Ilkal silk saris and cotton silk saris, mixed to make beautiful options, that range from Rs 1,300 to 9,000,” says a representative of a stall from Hubli.

Popular patterns are in demand as usual. The stall from Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, is seeing good business. “The saris and dress material from Mangalagiri are impressive. People are coming to buy them in different combinations and colours,” claims Srinivasan, a stall representative. Bright kurtas, churidar material and chikankari saris from Lucknow are also in demand.

Fine pashmina shawls and saris are also available, priced between Rs 1,500 and Rs 35,000. For those who want to add unique accessories to their wardrobe, silk pouches, wallets and handbags, varying from Rs 150 to 700, are also there, along with bedspreads, table-spreads, pillow covers and other household items.

Chezy Miriam, a visitor from Switzerland, says, “It’s nice to see the different colours and textures of India under one roof. From the warm yet soft pashmina to the flashy silk fabric, the options here are many.”

Subalakhsmi Karthikeyan, a housewife, came to the exhibition with her family to shop for a wedding that she’s to attend soon. “I’m used to buying typical heavy South Indian saris, and I wanted a change. I’m really impressed by the wholesome embroidery and karigari seen here in each item,” she says.

This exhibition is on till July 24, from 11 am to 7.30 pm.