Artisans and weavers from different parts of the country unfolded their creations at the exhibition 'Cottonfab-2015,' which commenced on September 16 last.
The exhibition, showcasing many handloom and handicraft items from several States, has been organised by Awadh Hathkargha Hasthshilp Evam Gramodyog Samiti from lucknow.
It was a shopaholics' paradise as they had the opportunity to choose from a large variety of products such as Banaras silk and cotton sarees, khantha sarees, khadi sarees, chanderi silk and cotton sarees, lucknow Chikan work dress material, khadi dress material, Baagprint, Phulkari dress material and many more. With a rich collection, Cottonfab has veritably turned a crowd puller.
Artisan Gyanendra from lucknow who exhibited Chikan works on kurtas, sarees and dress materials in the fair said, "I am coming to this fair every year. Response here is very encouraging and people like our products." We have products in range between Rs 400 and Rs 2,000, he added.
"This year, we have introduced a variety of new designs in our Khadi cotton sarees," said Mukesh, a seller from Gujarat. A total of 122 artisans from 12 States have displayed their products in the exhibition. Manager of the Samiti, Javed Khan, said, "We have conducted this exhibition for providing marketing facility to the artisans without any middlemen." The Samiti has organised this exhibition-cum-sale for the seventh time in Bhubaneswar, he informed. The artisans displaying their artifacts are getting overwhelming response, especially lucknow chikan work, Andhra Pradesh's Kalamkari vegetable dyed, Rajasthani block printed and Banaras silk and cotton sarees and dress material are more in demand. "It is an amazing place for exclusive decorative piece, varieties of sarees and jewelleries and I have never seen such a wonderful collection of kurtis before," said Seema Mishra, a student in the city. Price is a little bit higher but all the collections are worth buying, she added.
Apart from sarees and dress materials, bags, children's attire, curtains and ornaments are the other major attractions at the expo.The ethnic chudidars and hand-woven fabric add grace to one's personality which is quite distinctive, said Nivedita Parida, a visitor. Dr Manisha Rath from the city said the exhibition is the right place to go on a shopping spree, as sarees and dress materials available here are rare. The exhibition is on till October 13.
