The All-India Handloom and Handicrafts-2014, the 10-day Handloom festival, began at K T Jacob Town Hall. The fest being organised by Abhimaan Craft Society aims at promoting craftsmen across the country. The exhibition-cum-sale features over 50 stalls displaying an array of ethnic and traditional handloom, cotton fabric and handicraft items from various states. The authentic handloom material from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar and Jammu Kashmir are the highlights of the fest. The expo also provides an opportunity for the public to familiarise a spectrum of handlooms from other states.
Khadi fabrics from Karnataka and West Bengal, Rajasthani handblock print, kurtis/kurtas from Orissa, kashmir shawls, Bengali saris, chikan work from Lucknow, Meenakari jewellery, terracotta statues, idols, jewels and household craft and gift items are at display.
Saris with handicraft works are available from `250 to `5,000. Rajasthani bedsheets, Rajasthani royal paint handloom bed sheets with Kalamkari print, zebra print and paper paint are available at a price range of `200 to `3,000.
Cotton tops and nighties for daily use are available from `100 to `800. Long carpets, door mats and curtains are also available at the expo. A discount of 20 per cent for handlooms items and 10 per cent for handicraft materials will be offered for customers at the fest. The expo, which will conclude on May 4, is open between 10 am and 8 pm every day.
Abhimaan Craft Society is run with an aim of helping artisans sell their craft-based goods directly to consumers.
The fest mainly aims to provide direct marketing opportunity for rural artisan communities and promotion of cultural tourism, said the organisers.