KOZHIKODE: Pathumma P, from Kizhisseri, Malappuram, is a new face at the Kerala State Handicrafts Apex Cooperative Society (Surabhi) exhibition being held at the CSI Hall, but she is overwhelmed by the response she receives at the show that began on April 22.
Lots of orders have been received for bouquets and ornamental flower baskets. The speciality of her flowers is that they are made of arecanut leaves, grass and bamboo. The colours used are also natural. She runs a Kudumbashree unit in her hometown and undertakes orders. Cloth, handicraft items, jewellery and kitchen appliances merchants from 16 states are taking part in the exhibition that will conclude on May 2. Handicraft items in metal and wood are the specialities of the exhibition. Cotton dress materials, specially designed for the hot summer, are also the attractions at the fair. Women visitors also buy natural products useful for their kitchens. Home-made products made of shikakai and orange peel are also the favourite picks of the homemakers.
Bhagalpur silks of Bihar ranges from Rs 950 to Rs 2,000 at the fair. Purses and vanity bags made of beeds are the attractions from Rajasthan. The purses range from Rs 150 (mobile pouches) to Rs 1,200. Kannur cotton bedsheets cost Rs 550 for single (with pillow covers) and Rs 750 for double cots. Another attraction is Pashmina shawls and silk churidhar materials from Kashmir, along with handloom sarees and salwar materials from Odisha.