Carpets on display at the National Handloom Expo in Ranchi. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, March 25: The second day of the National Handloom Expo, which was inaugurated by chief minister Arjun Munda, witnessed a huge turnout today.

From Kashmiri pasminas, maheswari saris from Madhya Pradesh to dhakai jamdanis from Bengal, the expo has it all. Organised by the state industries department along with with the development commission of handloom, the expo had residents of Ranchi queuing up at the stalls, set up by different states participating in the event.

Around 51 stalls from 15 states are taking part in the handloom expo. Tara Handlooms from Panipat in Haryana drew the maximum crowd. Suresh Kumar, stall owner, said: “We have bed sheets, bed covers and export-quality durree and doormats. Our products are in great demand abroad. We export them to America, Australia and Canada. We also have handloom bags and towels. The price range is between Rs 120 to 950.”

On the response at the expo, he said: “This is just the second day of the expo and the response has been extremely good. Sale will pick up further. We are offering a discount of 20 percent on some products.”

Jaipuri razai, Rajasthani-print lehenga choli, crockeries made of marble in exquisite colours, bed sheets with intricate mirror and thread work have also caught the fancy of visitors. Kishan, stall proprietor said: “Jaipuri razai and Rajasthani dress materials are selling like hot cakes. Prices range from Rs 240 to Rs 700.” Neighbouring Bengal has a variety of saris on offer. Dakai jamdani, toshar silk, baluchari and katha stitch saris have left visitors spell bound. Apart from pashmina shawls, the Jammu and Kashmir stall has beautiful carpets and cotton dress materials.

Sarita Sinha, who bought a pashmina and saris from the Bengal stall, said: “There are a variety of things at the expo. The price is also affordable. Such fairs should be organised more often in the capital .”

K.K.Dutta, deputy director, industry department, said: “Last year, the Union ministery of textiles had allotted 40 stalls. But due to the good response, the number was increased this year. were allotted by the ministry. We are also holding a live demonstration on weaving of carpets on loom.