Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

Women SHGs infuse life into palm leaves

— Photo: S.Thanthoni

Rural art: Members of women self-help groups demonstrate the weaving of various fibre products at the exhibition organised in SIPA’s Craftlink.

CHENNAI: Conventional palm leaf products that are usually branded as a little dull could be provided a fresh look with a dash of colours and innovative designs. The exhibition-cum-sale of such products by members of women self-help groups is under way at the SIPA’s Craftlink showroom at 70/139, Kodambakkam High Road.

The exhibition was inaugurated by K. V. Raghavulu, chief general manager (Tamil Nadu regional office), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development recently. Products made by women SHGs from Vellore, Walajapet, Manappad, Pulicat and Tirunelveli, are at display.

Besides an array of baskets in bright hues made from palm leaf, screw pine and plantain fibre, the exhibition has products that can decorate your desk, dining room and even the kitchen.

Containers in different sizes and fascinating shapes are lined up at the exhibition.

Big palm leaf laundry baskets with a lid and tiffin boxes are also available. The palm leaf-woven trays, known as ‘murams’ in Tamil, used to separate chaff from rice, which have become a rarity in urban areas, are also showcased at the exhibition.

T. Amudha from Vellore said that about 400 women from the Kaniyambadi panchayat block were involved in the basket weaving. Several products were exported to countries, including New Zealand, and palm leaf garlands were in demand. “I earn about Rs.80 daily from basket weaving.”

Craftlink’s business manager K. Appukuttan Achari said lamp shade made from fine strips of cane and palm leaf expandable garlands were popular products. Live demonstration of the basket weaving would also be conducted.

P. Sundaramurthy, regional director (southern region) Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) was also present during the occasion. The exhibition is open between 9.30 a.m. and 8 p.m. till March 5 including Sundays.

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