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Spinning yarns
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The city gets to see a range of handicrafts made out of jute
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ETHNIC AND MODERN Jute items on display PHOTOS: S. SIVA SARAVANAN
As Mansur Ali from Kolkatta talks to you, his fingers move deftly, twisting jute yarn.
Hailing from Kolkatta he sells tablemats, wall hangings and many more hand made jute products.
He is one of the nearly 30 participants at the Jute Fair that is on at Hotel Rathna Regent.
For those of us consciously moving towards an eco-friendly life style, the fair is a treat. And, for those of us who wait to spend on crafts and designer pieces, this is an opportunity for a no-plastic shopping spree.
The Jute Manufactures Development Council (JMDC) is organising the fair in the city after almost a decade.
A theme pavilion greets you at the entrance and gives an idea of all that is offered at the exhibition.
The idea of having the pavilion is to create awareness on the advantages of using jute products and how cost-effective and eco-friendly they are, says T. Ayyappan, Market Promotion Officer of the JMDC.
Traveller bags, low cost jute bags, letter holders, specially designed handbags, wall hangings and even jute jewellery and footwear are on display.
Koncherry Coir Factories from Cherthala, Allapuzha District, has brightly coloured carpets and floor coverings. They export these to countries such as the U.S. and Europe.
Jute Handicrafts from Kolkata has earrings, chains and bangles made of jute. These are mostly made by women artisans and are also exported.
Another speciality at the fair is the large number of local participants, including self help groups and non-Governmental organisations, who make products such as jute lamp shades, bags and wall hangings.
Mr. Ayyappan says most of these people, including those from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Delhi, buy the raw material from West Bengal and make value-added products.
The potential is huge for jute-based products, including home textile products.
"Coimbatore should also come into the jute map of the country," adds Mr. Ayyappan.
The exhibition will be on till February 21.
M. SOUNDARIYA PREETHA
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