Intricate works of art on display

Dedicated Effort

Handicraft lovers are in for a treat at the ‘Cottage Mela’, which is being organised by the Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE), at Safina Plaza on Infantry Road. 

A wide range of items, including Dhokra brass craft, art furniture from Bastar, oriental furniture from Delhi, Warli art from Maharashtra, Madhubani paintings from Bihar, lampshades, chimes, hand-crafted wooden furniture, bronze and brass idols, semi-precious stone jewellery from Rajasthan and textiles from across the country are on display. 

Ikram Mondal, who has come all the way from West Bengal to showcase tablecloths, bedspreads and apparels with needlework said, “A lot of time and effort has gone into the making of this. Sometimes, making a single bedspread takes up to 10 days.

But we’re hardly compensated for it. When customers see the selling price, they say that it’s expensive, but they don’t realise we spent much more than what we sell them for.”
Ashok Kumar Das from Bihar, who is into Madhubani paintings said, “My entire family is into this art work. The careful strokes of the work is made using a matchstick instead of a brush. I am so glad that there are many people who are stopping by my stall. It is really encouraging.”

Pointing out that the long weekend is attracting visitors, S Inayath Shah, manager of CCIE said, “This is a mela, where we want the sellers and the customers to interact with each other which will give the traders an idea of what customers are looking for and where they can improve. We have got a good response and found that many of those coming here are looking for gifts, especially with the upcoming festivals.” 

Explaining that the mela is held twice a year, Inayath added, “There has been a rise in sales by five to 10 per cent so far. We have to wait and watch as to how it goes during the rest of the days.” Pointing out to the furniture on sale, Inayath said, “What customers can look out for here is the furniture. They have a modern and antique touch to them. The intricate work and design is not found easily anywhere else.”

The customers, who were seen busy sifting though the ware, were an impressed lot. “There so much to choose from that I’m actually confused. But each of the stalls have something unique. I have picked up items for myself as well as my friends,” said Maria, who was at the exhibition. Karan Rao, another visitor, said, “I find the exhibition has an interesting mix of stuff. There’s something for everyone here. I’m looking out for trinkets for my sister and there is so much choice.” 

The ‘Cottage Mela’ is on till January 19.