The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : This Rajasthan Craft Fair in the city has it all

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Apr 28, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

This Rajasthan Craft Fair in the city has it all

Staff Reporter

The exhibition houses a wide range of ethnic items

EXQUISITE: Rajasthani handicrafts on display at Safina Plaza in Bangalore on Friday. — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

BANGALORE: If it is a set of funky bangles you are looking for or a nice little wooden camel for that empty corner, check out the Rajasthan Craft Fair at Safina Plaza here.

With 60 artisans representing different crafts, you just might spot that conversation piece you are looking for. "Though 80 per cent of the handicrafts are from Rajasthan, 20 per cent are from other parts of the country," says Mahavir Challani, manager of this fair.

Be it the walnut wooden "jhula" from Kashmir, the exquisite paintings of Krishna from Tamil Nadu, the eye catching "nail work" bangles from Rajasthan or the jute bags from West Bengal, this exhibition houses a wide range of ethnic items.

What is it about crafts fairs that attract the crowds? Probably because they represent the variety in our country's heritage.

"Handloom items sell best," Mr. Challani says. Among the artisans who have travelled miles, there are many whose talents are not limited to the work of their hands.

The youngest craftsman, Anil (8), is also a dancer. Most say they inherited their art and trade from their ancestors.

One of the most expensive items on show is a walnut swing whose price tag is Rs. 2 lakh.

It is immediately obvious that a lot of work has been invested into it.

The wood to be carved is immersed in water for almost two months. It is then dried for a month, after which it is carved.

Each piece requires a minimum of seven months before it is completed.

For the young crowd there is handmade jewellery from Jodhpur, earrings, wraparound Jaipuri skirts and the chikan-work kurtas, a speciality of Lucknow. The "Kundan Rangoli" patterns are eye-catching.

Carpets, saris from Orissa and Andhra Pradesh, Madhubani paintings are all waiting to be snapped up before May 6 when the fair concludes.

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