The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Showcasing Chhattisgarh handlooms and handicrafts

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Wednesday, Jan 07, 2009
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Karnataka - Bangalore

Showcasing Chhattisgarh handlooms and handicrafts

Staff Reporter

The exhibition at Safina Plaza will end on January 18

— Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

A woman selecting flutes at the Chhattisgarh Handlooms and Handicrafts exhibition in Bangalore on Tuesday.

BANGALORE: Not many know of a flute which can be played just by swinging it in a circular motion. Made of bamboo and etched with tribal art, this flute is about 2 ft with three “sikkas” (rings) at one end and produces a soft whistling sound.

This flute from Bastar is on display at the Chhattisgarh Handloom and Handicrafts Exhibition under way in the city.

“Cowherds use it to scare away scorpions and snakes,” said Madan Netam, a stall owner at the exhibition.

Rich collection

Being organised by the Rural Industries Department of Chhattisgarh, the exhibition has a rich collection of exquisite silk, raw silk, and jute silk saris and dress material with traditional block prints.

Batik print cotton bedspreads in warm, earthy colours are also available.

Another rarity at the exhibition is artificial bamboo flowers.

Besides, there are several bamboo handicrafts such as small boxes and lampshades. “Gadi sili” is a toy to teach children to walk. There are terracotta flowerpots, decorative pots and diyas.

“During a wedding, lighting of laman diyas (hanging lamps) in the bride’s house is considered auspicious, while khud diyas (standing lamps) are lit in the groom’s home,” Mr. Madan said. Bronze showpieces depict Bastar adivasi dances.

A Madiya (adivasi man) plays the drum, while Madis (women) dance. Other metal decorative pieces include small figurines of men, women and animals, and masks and ashtrays. The exhibition at Safina Plaza will end on January 18.

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