Handicraft exhibition brings artisans from 16 states to Berhampur

BERHAMPUR: Artisans from 16 States and different parts of Orissa are taking part in the grand handicrafts festival being held at the St. Stephens' ground in Berhampur city. From the applique-works of Orissa to carpets from Jammu and Kashmir, from brass and bell metals from Uttar Pradesh to leather works from Punjab the Gandhi Silpa Bazaar has them all on display and sale. Around 150 artisans from various states of India have participated in the 10-day fair, which is a platform to display and sell exquisite handicraft items from across the country. It is being organized by the Society for Rural Advancement and Democratic Humanitarian Action (SRADHA) and sponsored by Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), ministry of textile, Central government. SRADHA is holding similar national ‘crafts mela' in the city for the fourth time. “Earlier SRADHA used to organise the All India Crafts Bazar and due to its success this crafts mela is being organised on a grander scale ”, said project coordinator of SRADHA, Chandramani Pradhan. "The Slipa Bazar would encourage the craftsmen to improve their skills and give them a new impetus to work harder," said Mr Pradhan. Some expert artisans will also display their techniques at the fair. Some will also launch new products and designs the organisers informed. Last year similar crafts mela organised in the city by SRADHA had also drawn a large crowd. In 2010, total transaction during the mela was over 90 lakh rupees so there is hope to have a better market this year and total transaction may exceed one crore rupees, said Mr Pradhan. One hundred and fifty artisans are taking part in this large handicraft fair. Most are family units. Both youngsters and the elderly persons of these artisan families have come over to display their skills and sell their products. Like past years there is a large demand for carved wood furniture from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh and carpets from Kashmir. There is ample display of colourful dress materials, bangles and other decorative items for women that range from bangles from Muradabad to hand woven pattu sarees from different parts of the country. Visitor Pranita Das says she was astonished by the purse friendly price of these attractive handicraft items. “At least we are sure of their genuineness,” she said. The organisers have also instructed the artisans not over price and not to get involved in bargaining with customers. This fair has something for everyone, said Wasim Ahmed, a wood carver from Saharanpur who is participating in this festival.

Source: The Hindu, Times of India