The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Skills of weavers on display at exhibition

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 07, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Skills of weavers on display at exhibition

Staff Reporter

A wide array of silk, cotton saris lined up for sale at the two-day `Pongal Sale'

ENTICING MOTIFS: Visitors take a look at the silk saris lined up at the `Pongal Sale' exhibition hosted by the Department of Handlooms and Textiles at Kuralagam on Saturday. — Photo: S. Thanthoni

CHENNAI: From classic silk saris to crisp cotton saris, the skills of weavers across the state were lined up for display and sale at office of the Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles, Kuralagam, on Saturday.

The silk section was flooded with saris in different hues and combinations for the two-day `Pongal Sale' exhibition.

While those from Arani offered the collection of Mukesh, a designer based in Delhi, Thirubuvanam presented silk saris with multicoloured borders with prices starting from Rs.6,000.

For those looking out for something unique for special occasions, there are saris with figure works in `pallus' priced from Rs.20,000 onwards.

Besides an array of wedding saris and embroidered silk saris, the Thirubuvanam section surprised visitors by introducing silk saris without zariwork. An official said photos of couples would be printed on wedding saris within 45 days of order. This would come at a price of Rs.25,000.

And not to miss were the Kancheepuram silk saris with meena work, comprising thread work lined with zari at the border.

This year's expo has introduced low budget silk saris priced between Rs.2,500 and Rs.5,000, much to the delight of silk sari lovers.

The heavy discount of 35 per cent and 45 per cent on silk varieties was an added attraction. An official said an extra 10 per cent discount was given according to the year of manufacture.

Cotton saris from several districts filled much space at the hall. The Chennai section featured kora cotton saris (Rs.250-1,300) and pure cotton saris. Salwar materials priced at Rs.218 were also available.

Embroidered cotton saris from Coimbatore would lure many.

Every section, be it Madurai, Erode or Paramakudi and Kumbakonam, had saris to suit every customer. Salem dhotis and home linen were also on display.

Discounts

A discount ranging from 10 per cent to 40 per cent is offered.

An official said the proceeds from the Deepavali sale exhibition last year was about Rs.18 lakh. About Rs.20 lakh was expected as sales from this exhibition.

It will be open on Sunday between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

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