Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, August 3: Handloom and handicraft work are very popular and people never quite tire shopping products made by skilled artisans scattered across the state. A seven-day silk expo was inaugurated in the city Monday by Hastashilpi, an association of artistes and weavers, to make the silk products popular among people, and the response on the very first day was heartening.
Actor Pinky Pradhan inaugurated the event at a hotel Monday morning. She said, “I am glad to
see the many varieties of silk
saris and designer products
showcased here.”
The overwhelmed organisers said silk-loving customers will get great variety at one place. “Many silk sari weavers, handloom clusters and silk cooperative societies are here to showcase their products. The intention of the programme was to make accessible the products directly to customers without the involvement of mediators,” said Abhinand, organiserof the event.
Artistes and weavers from different parts of the country who assembled at the expo expressed hope of good sales in the upcoming days. Mohammed Yunis, a seller from Kashmir, said, “We often sell products in Kashmir but this time we decided to showcase Kashmiri clothes here. We are selling Pashmina shawls, chiffon silk and other varieties of silk to cater to the demand of customers with varied demands. We are hopeful of good business in the coming days.”
Enthusiastic sellers seemed happy with the display and enthusiasm. Thirty-one-year-old Imran Khan who came from Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh said, “At our place Chanderi silk sari is very famous and in great demand. I have brought with me Chanderi silk saris to depict our cultural heritage at this place. I hope people will like the products.”
One Banarasi sari stall owner, Ahmed Hussain seemed enthusiastic at the prospect of brisk sales. “Banarasi saris need no branding. They are famous across the country. We have brought with us a few for those keen to buy original Banarasi. However, we are also selling silk products,” said Hussain.
A majority of the stalls at the expo have silk products on display including hand block printed saris, suit and silk bedcovers, designer wear, lazes, kurtis, hand-woven matka and Assam muga.
