Rain plays spoilsport at N-E Craft Expo

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Bhubaneswar:The North-East Craft Expo at the Unit-III exhibition ground in the city is a much awaited event for those who want to purchase products from north-eastern states. However, the last two days’ rain brought disappointment to North-East artisans as that reduced customers. Bijay Kumar, an artisan from Rajasthan, who is participating in the exhibition for the first time, was very excited. Though his business was good the heavy rains made it difficult for him to achieve his target. “This is the first time I am attending this expo. I was excited as I had heard that the people of Bhubaneswar loved fashion. But I am a little disappointed. I hope to have good business this weekend,” he said. Bijay confirmed that he will visit the expo next year too. He said he sold many Rajasthani gowns that start from `750. Julan Udin, an artisan from Assam, brought cane and bamboo baskets, handicrafts, cane furniture, cane woven handicrafts and colourful woven textile products. He said that last year he had huge sales of bamboo furniture. Talking to Orissa , Julan said, “Assam’s momo basket is the new item I have
this year. I came across city residents who love to eat momos, so this item that costs `350 is getting sold easily. Bamboo jewellery is another attraction. As it takes a long time to weave it we have priced it at `200.” Julan also thinks that rain hit his business. Another artisan from West Bengal Suken Mandal said, “I have been here since the last five years but this year business was bad. Rain is the obvious reason.” An official of the organising committee, BK Dey, said, “The expo used to attract a lakh everyday, but this time the number of customers were less.” Though he did not reveal his turnover last year he said that he may not achieve target this year. There are 65 stalls at the exhibition and seven states are participating. The expo kicked off on October 12 and will conclude October 23.