Patna, Feb. 3: Demonstration of handmade products stole the show at Nari Shakti Shatabdi Utsav-2012, a craft fair organised in front of DAV BSEB School. The event commenced yesterday evening.

Organised by Women Development Corporation of social welfare department, the fair aims to motivate artisans belonging to self-help groups and co-operatives, and women entrepreneurs involved in handicraft business. About 170 stalls were put up. The fair will continue till Sunday and entry is free.

The demonstration of straw painting by Prabha Devi, an artisan of Makhdumpur village and her associate Bindu Devi, was a major draw. Prabha demonstrated cutting the straw into various sizes and pasting it on a paper. While weavers demonstrated how to spin cotton or silk yarns to make fabric, other artisans displayed their skills.

Prabha said: “I joined Barabar Sawyamsiddha Mahila Vikas Swawlambi Sahkari Samiti three-and-a-half years ago. I learnt to make wax candles, incense sticks and other products. I have brought only straw painting to this fair. I hope people like it,”

“I earn my livelihood through this craft. I have also trained 20 women in my village. They, too, are earning a livelihood and are not dependent on their husbands or families,” added Prabha.

Talking about the price of straw paintings at her kiosk, Prabha said: “The straw paintings at my stall range between Rs 200 and Rs 1,500.”

Stall number 1 owned by Amita Kumari stood out owing to its collection of jewellery, wall hangings, bags and other handicraft made of jute. “I have products ranging from Rs 40 to Rs 170. I am also giving a 10 per cent discount at my stall,” said Amita.

Shivangi Jyoti, a Class IX student of DAV BSEB School, said: “I decided to come to the fair after I heard of its collection.” Shivangi bought a pair of jute earrings.

Ruchika Rai, another visitor said: “For me, the best part of the fair was the demonstration of making fabric from cotton yarn,” said Ruchika.