VIJAYAWADA: A two-day handloom and handicrafts exhibition was thrown open to the public at SS Convention Centre in Vijayawada on Monday. AP State Women’s Commission Chairperson Nannapaneni Rajakumari inaugurated the exhibition. Nearly 40 stalls were set up at the expo where craftsman from across the country showcased their products.“This exhibition is a common platform for the weavers, designers and craftsmen who underwent training at our workshops, to showcase their products,” said B Sujatha, executive member of Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh (CCAP).
Kondapalli toys, mortar and pestle set and various showpieces made of granite from Narsaraopet, handwoven sarees, dress materials, and kurtis were put up for sale here. “We have hand-stitched and woven cotton, silk and khadi with the Bengal’s traditional Katha-work.
The price of these products ranges from `2,500 to `10,000,” said Shaila, a seller from Bengal. Venkatagiri and Lilan sarees from Bihar are also on sale. The exhibition also offers other products such as Madhubani paintings and gift wrapping papers with Kalamkari work on it etc.
“We set up such exhibitions as they help bring handicraft to the mainstream. These exhibitions are also profitable for the craftsmen. Because there are no middlemen involved, the craftsmen get the money they deserve,” Jayashree, joint-secretary of CCAP, said. These types of art are dying nowadays only because of lack of exposure to the mainstream market, she added. The profits earned here will be utilised for setting up health camps for craftsmen.