The Hindu : New Delhi News : Karnataka temples to come alive in Delhi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007
ePaper

New Delhi

New Delhi

Karnataka temples to come alive in Delhi

Staff Reporter

State pavilion at India International Trade Fair, which opens today, to have 76 stalls

Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

For the big show: Final touches being given to Karnataka pavilion on the eve of the Trade Fair which opens in Delhi on Wednesday.

NEW DELHI: Karnataka is synonymous with exquisitely carved temples. Little wonder then that the Karnataka pavilion at the fortnight-long India International Trade Fair-2007 opening at Pragati Maidan here on Wednesday is showcasing the rich architecture of the famous temples of the State.

Made of fibre glass with steel frame and a wooden base, the entire structure is based on the famous Hoysala temples at Beluru and Halebedu. Scores of artisans, carpenters and skilled workers have been involved in construction of the 30-foot-tall structure for the past three months.

According to Kamlesh, who supervised the project, the structure was built after a thorough research. “I visited the Hoysala temples. These temples have mesmerised art lovers for centuries and even now they are a major tourist attraction. I clicked 1,000 pictures of these temples. Later I made the drawing and then the artisans made the structure with fibre glass for the fair.”About the exhibits at the State pavilion, Kamlesh said products from Mysore would be showcased in a big way. “About 50 years ago, Mysore was known for its agriculture implements and now it is synonymous with world famous sandalwood soap. Besides sandalwood items, lacquer ware and silk saris from Mysore will be displayed,” he added.

Since the theme of the fair is “Processed Food and Agro Industries”, Karnataka’s advancement in agricultural production and allied activities will be adequately highlighted. The State pavilion will have 76 stalls selling incense, handloom items, Ayurvedic and herbal products, granites, jewellery and coffee, said H.V. Raghu Ram, Managing Director of Visvesvaraya Industrial Trade Centre.

As Bangalore has become an Information Technology hub, the State IT Department will provide information on what facilities are being offered to IT giants. Visitors can partake the traditional Karnataka meal. This time there will be vegetarian stuff like dosa, idli and vada.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail