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Clutch of colourful crafts
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From Jodhaa Akbar bangles to ‘ramacham’ yoga mats, the Surabhi exhibition has something for everybody. The colourful bazaar is on till March 18
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Photo:Vipin Chandran
Traditional treat Surabhi promotes village arts and craft
What’s new and different this time at the ongoing sale of handicrafts at Gangothri Hall in the city? Surabhi, the Kerala State Handicrafts Apex Cooperative Society Limited, brings colourful, interesting, inexpensive artefacts, textiles, curios,
jewellery, linen, herbs from artisans across India every year. The jamboree is always a big draw. This time too, “despite exam time”, says Anil M, Manager, Surabhi, customers are thronging the venue.
Wide variety
He has been able to get artisans to display their art and craft and sell a wide variety of products. Terracotta pottery, wind chimes and light holders are in plenty along with idols of gods and goddesses. They are by the artists from Bengal. The sheen and glitter of bangles from Jaipur is sure to catch your eye. “Would you like the ones worn by Aishwarya in ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ or the ones she wore in ‘Devadas’ ?” asks an enthusiastic Naresh, a bangle-seller. The Bollywood ones come at roughly Rs. 400. But plainer ones cost Rs. 70 for a set of four. There’s everything to bejewel the lady, from earrings, necklaces, colourful beads and bracelets.
All the way from the tanneries of Kanpur Dilshad has brought in leather chappals. They are available in sizes five to ten and cost Rs.180, but only for ladies! Men can pick up Kolhapuri chappals, bright, new and hardy with their red satin threads knotted neatly on top.
Artefacts from Jodhpur, the hand sculpted metal figurines of gods and goddesses are a silvery showy.
There are other pretty curios ranging from Rs. 70 to Rs. 8,000 (the Ganapati), look sturdy and lasting. There are gemstone paintings, miniatures with Mughal themes, which are delicate and pretty, all from this desert town. There are smaller and cheaper slip pads and letter holders too.
A whole range of home linen is available. Batik bedspreads and the Rajasthani printed ones are available. Rani Mampilly’s unit from Edappally has a counter where she has white summery baby frocks for Rs. 275. There are appliqué worked saris and bed sheets too. Rani has been bringing her craft regularly to Surabhi and says the sales are getting better every year.
Innovative products
From the cluster of artisans that Surabhi manages there are stalls that sell innovative products made out of bamboo, screw pine and wood. Kunjumol, who manages the woodwork stall, proudly displays the new products. There is ‘Kalamandalam Kathakali,’ which is different from the regular Kathakali mask. This one has a more ornate headgear. There are chicly designed candle stands, lamps, boxes, coaster sets and it is refreshing that with-the-times design line is being introduced in traditional crafts.
The vettiver stall is a huge draw as it is not so common in these exhibitions. The fragrance from the products itself brings in customers out of curiosity. Ajit Kumar from Chalakudy, managing the stall, displayed yoga mats (Rs. 1,250), chappals for men, (Rs.325), for ladies (Rs. 295), umbrella caps, car seat cushions (Rs. 550), loofahs, bathing brushes made from vettiver (ramacham) grass.
And as they say there’s something for everybody at this colourful bazaar, which is on till March 18.
PRIYADERSHINI S.
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