Guwahati: Participants at the exhibition organised by the North East Women Entrepreneurs Association (NEWEA) were enthused by the huge footfall#, which translated into good sales.

The exhibition of handloom apparel, traditional jewellery, handicrafts and furnishing items started on Wednesday at NEDFi House here and will continue till Saturday.

Altogether 41 stalls have been set up by entrepreneurs, some of whom are participating for the first time. NEWEA is organising such an exhibition after a hiatus of eight years.

Talking to The Telegraph, NEWEA general secretary Asha Bora said, "This exhibition is being held to provide a platform for young entrepreneurs. We also attend seminars in other fairs to get new ideas and upgrade technology for our establishments. NEWEA also helps rural weavers by distributing thread and yarn to them."

Several new entrants are upbeat about the increasing footfall and are doing brisk business collecting orders from individual customers and firms.

Papulakshmi Deka, partner of Just Another Being and the stall Cocoon Galleria, said, "This is the first time we have exhibited our products at an exhibition. We are happy with the platform provided by the NEWEA and by the response from customers. We have mekhela chadors, food covers, glass covers, dining mat sets, pickles and candles, among others. The handicraft items are made by girls from the tea garden community. We are giving them a chance to earn a living and engage in activities other than plucking tea leaves."

Owner of Chinky's Collection, Afzalina Wasi, has stocked her stall with jewellery made from jute, bamboo and rice grains. She is also selling water hyacinth coasters, jute bags and purses. "I was a little apprehensive of opening a stall here but there is good demand for my products. I have received several orders for the jewellery," she said.