With the tagline 'Back to Nature - Having Food, Fun and Flea', Sampoorn Santhe is back in the city. The festival which kicked off on 9th will continue till the 13th of this month.
Featuring over a hundred artisans across 23 states, the Santhe offers a visitor varied products from traditional weaves, designer wear to organic produce.
"We chose south Bangalore because until now it has not been exposed to the concept of a santhe or the flea market," says Shalini, Secretary of the NGO Sampoorn. "The theme is back to nature, so most of the products are recycled or made of natural materials. There will be river grass mats, vegetable-dyed lamp shades, banana fibre curtains and lamps and hand-blocked natural colour saris, besides a host of other products including organic food."
One can also look for carved furniture from Uttar Pradesh, pottery from Pokhran, Dokra jewellery from West Bengal, cotton saris from Kerala, traditional mojris from Rajasthan as well as leather products, hand woven Tussar, Kola, Chanderi, Jamdani, Ikat, South Cotton, Khadi, Kutchi, Rajasthani Pattus, Kalamkari, Akolo, Ajrak and Kanchivaram prints together with hand embroidery and mirror work, block prints, woollen shawls, natural fibre products and other folk art.
"For youngsters, a major attraction would be the fashionable fusion jewellery that is on display," says Shalini, adding that Sampoorn's sole aim is to promote eco-friendly products. Apart from this, there will be craft demonstrations of lac bangle making and Madhubani paintings, among others. Further, there are games and boat rides for kids, so the Santhe will make for an ideal family outing.
Sampoorn, a member of the World Crafts Council, is a non-profit NGO, working towards the promotion and development of crafts and the welfare of artisans.
Open from 10 am to 9 pm, the Santhe is being held at Mahratta Hostel Ground, Bull Temple Road, Opp More Mega Store, Basavangudi. For further information please visit www.sampoorn.org or contact Kailash on 9480337734.