Masks on display at Saras 2004 that got under way on Wednesday. Picture by S.H. Patgiri

Feb. 25: Exquisite products from the Northeast are on display at the Assam Engineering Institute ground at Chandmari, where a 10-day national-level exhibition-cum-sale of handicrafts got off to a colourful start this morning.

“These fairs are the ideal platform for rural artisans to showcase their creations and get crucial feedback on market tastes,” said chief minister Tarun Gogoi after inaugurating the exhibition, christened Regional Saras-2004.

Organised by the state panchayat and rural development department and sponsored by the Union ministry of rural development, the fair boasts 260 stalls where artisans from 14 states are displaying their products.

Assam minister for state, panchayat and rural development, Ripun Bora, said by organising the exhibition, the department had tried to present an exquisite range of products made by the “magical and dextrous hands of rural artisans.”

He said the show would give “people the opportunity to see the best from the Northeast and some other states of the country and the artisans the scope to tap the urban market”.

Project director of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Kamrup, H.K. Bora, said the basic aim of the exhibition was to provide the much-needed marketing impetus to self-help groups. The fair, he hoped, would be a “melting point” of the diverse rich cultural heritage of India.

“It will provide the rural artisans a platform to share their thoughts and build new friendships and amity in the process of development of the rural sector,” he added.

On display at the fair are crafts made of cane and bamboo, floriculture, wood carvings, saris, brass metal and mirror work products, embroidery, leather goods, pottery, products from Orissa’s Pipli, zari work, perfumed candles, bead work, food and coconut products.

The DRDA has categorised 16 varieties of items to be displayed at the fair.

The main attraction is the stall from Goa, which has a collection of sea-shell items, terracotta, cane flower pots, special papad made of dry fish and coconut sweets.

Speaking about the advantages of these exhibitions, Anci Demallo, assistant project director, DRDA, Goa, said, “It has helped us promote our products to the urban buyers and has created a permanent market.”

The exhibition will also host workshops on a range of topics from production to selling in the global market. Experts from diverse fields will deliver lectures on improving the marketability of the products and attaining quality control.

A “buyer-seller meet” will also be held to facilitate direct contact between them. This is expected to help the artisans get an idea about the buyers’ taste.

Cultural programmes will be held every evening, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of states. The main attractions include Suror Lahar — a musical programme, Luitor Pare Pare and Asomor Bare Rohonia Krishti — programmes on Bhortal dance and Mising Bihu.

Tiwa, Rabha, Deuri and Bodo dances will also be performed under the aegis of DRDA and the directorate of information and public relations, Assam.

A fashion show, Dreams of Weavers, will showcase haute couture by artisans on March 3 with the aim of promoting eri and muga dresses, which will be designed to suit the present fashion trend.