KOZHIKODE: Women, especially homemakers are flocking to the ongoing handicrafts exhibition at CSI hall, organised by Gujarat Emporium. Home appliances, kitchenware, jewellery and clothing from nine states are displayed at reasonable prices.
This year’s specialities include Gujarati traditional block, batik, Kutch vegetable print, bandhni, brush and printed or worked cotton and silk saris. A rare collection of handicrafts made of wood from Assam - Assam teak, with pooja products and home utensils are on display.
Jewellery made of iron and copper are another attraction. Native stalls specialise in the jewellery, along with Gujarati stalls.
The expo has a collection of white metal and black metal ornaments along with chains, studs and pendants crafted out of Jaipur’s precious and semi precious stones. Gujarati bangles finished out of Australian diamonds, 22ct gold covering ornaments made of coral, emerald and ruby range from `350 to `7,000. The products have been brought from Rajastan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Karnataka.
Ethnic saris, and kurtas of poolkari designs, chikan work, screen print, screen print, embroidery and mirror work are also available. Bedsheets are available in applique and embroidery work, along with bed spreads, cushion covers, designer bed sheets and decorative mats with lace work.
The finest collection of wall hangings, pictures, brass and black and white metals pooja items, Channapatna toys of Karnataka, metal and wooden idols, acupressure equipment made of wooden needles are also on display.
On offer are eco-friendly and hand-made cloth and leather vanity bags and purses.
Among the clothing, tie and dye salwar sets, Jaipur Chaniya cholis, lehengas, gagra cholis, kaftans, Kashmiri shawls are fast moving. The expo, opened by CSI cathedral chairman Rev Vinod Allen will be open till June 2, from 10 am to 8 pm.
There’s a government rebate of 20 per cent on handlooms and 10 per cent on handicrafts.
Sundays and May 25 are holidays.