The West Bengal Khadi and Village Industries Board has organised a state Khadi Mela with 113 stalls at Taltala ground on Prince Anwar Shah Road. A variety of ‘khadi’ and rural industry items — mats from Medinipur, ‘Sital Pati’ from Cooch Behar, wooden dolls and trays from Natun Gram, 'kantha' stitch products from Bardhaman and Birbhum, exotic silk saris of Murshidabad — are available at the stalls. Aimed at providing marketing support to artisans, the fair will continue till January 16 and will be open to visitors between 1pm and 9pm
All images by Amit Datta/My Kolkata
Alok Kumar Jana from Sabang, West Midnapur is a National Award-winning artist specialising in the weaving of carpets with natural products. He, along with his other family, is involved with this ‘madur shilpo’ for generations. Jana while displaying their creations that have been adapted for modern-day usage proudly states that Sabang is where many others of his trade have earned national and international recognition. Traditional methods, dyeing with natural colours and adapting items for modern conditions are the notable features of their products and art
Ruma Chitrakar from Pingla, East Midnapur, specialises in embellishing sarees, ‘dupattas’, T-shirts and other wooden or aluminium products with her ‘patachitra’ art. Expressing her happiness at being at the fair, she observed that smaller items such as trays or trinkets are selling more in this edition of the Khadi Mela
Gita Karmakar’s representative at her stall shows the Dokra art items that have fetched her nationwide acclaim. A National Merit Award winner, this Dokra artist has brought in exquisite items that are bound to be a major hit with visitors. From trinkets, and table decorations to more elaborate creations, this little stall has something of interest for everyone
Dasarath Mondal has come to Khadi Mela from Birbhum district’s Dubrajpur Block Khadi Industrial Society, Tatipara, Bakreshwar. He happily states that the response from people has been positive and that people are interested in the ‘tussar’ and ‘ghicha’ items that he has brought with him. Apart from the regular dress materials, his stall also has block-printed sarees with Madhubani prints and beautiful wall hangings. A regular participant in every edition of Khadi Mela, Mondal expressed happiness at the sales he has made so far and also lauded the state government’s initiative in organising such fairs
Innovative home decor items made of wicker – flower stands, light shades, decorative baskets — have gained huge popularity lately. A lady weaves a wicker basket at the fair. This is what makes the event all the more special, as visitors can not only check out the finished products, but also experience the art in the making
