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Bhubaneswar, Sept 2: A month-long “exhibition-cum-sale of quality hand crafted and handloom fabrics”, ‘Cottonfab’, started at Exhibition Ground here, Friday.
Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Kumar Patsani inaugurated the event. As many as 122 artisans from 15 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Assam, Bihar, Telangana, Punjab, Karnataka and Maharashtra are taking part in the event.
Awadh Hathkargha Hasthshilp Evam Gramodyog Samiti from Lucknow and the handlooms and handicraft department are jointly organising the event.
This year, the fair includes Lucknowi Chikankari dress material, sarees, kurta pajama, tops, ethnic print kurtis from Gujarat, Rajasthani block printed dresses, Kota Doria dress material, kurtas for ladies, lehnga-choli, malmal, bandhej suits, skirts-top, salwar and dupattas.
Phulkari dress material from Patiala, Chanderi, Maheswari, Baagprint, and Batik from Madhya Pradesh; Shanti Niketan Tant, Khantha, Dhakai Jamdani Sarees from West Bengal; Sambalpuri Ikkat sarees from Orissa; Kalamkari vegetable dyed fabrics from Andhra Pradesh; Mangalgiri, Gadwal Zari Border dress material, cotton Kurtis, Madurai Sarees from Tamil Nadu and other dress materials are part of the fair that includes apparel, jewellery and furnishings.
Javed Alam, the organiser of the fair, said: “This initiative is aimed at bringing rural artisans to the fore to promote their work around the country. This year we have installed 120 kiosks at which customers can purchase a variety of products of their choice.”
Azad Khan, a resident of Mubarakpur in Uttar Pradesh believes the event has the potential to draw good footfall. “Tanchoi silk saree, Royal silk saree and Valkalam sarees are new entrants this year. These sarees have designs of lamps, peacocks, flowers, camels and look beautiful. The sarees are priced between Rs500 and Rs25,000. We have brought a good stock considering the damand last year,” he said.
Another weaver from Lucknow Shiva Gavind sells floor mats starting from Rs80 and going up to Rs4,000. Designs such as kakda, payel, and ghutka are among new arrivals this year.
Besides clothes, the exhibition also has precious and semi-precious stone studded ornaments such as Jhumka in black metal, jointless glass black bangles and Chunkey neck pieces in real Hyderabadi pearls, among other things.
Bijay patwa from Jaipur has brought ornaments including German silver necklaces, jhumkas made of gold and brass, and semi-precious stone earrings. He has set the price for his products from Rs80 to Rs700.
Rakesh Khotpal from Maharashtra, in turn, has created jewellery made of ancient coins. “We melt the coins and give it new design as ornaments. We guarantee the colour for a year even on daily use. Rani haar is a major attraction with us this year,” Rakesh said.
Wooden toys from Uttar Pradesh will be a key attraction for kids. The stalls have musical ships, wooden cars, and wooden cube with new design and Abacus musical train among its merchandise.
According to the organisers, the expo is aimed at reviving traditional art of rural artisans and to provide them with a platform to market their products. This is the eighth time the festival is being organised in the capital.
Scores thronged Exhibition Ground Friday. The exhibition will be on till October 3.
