Handloom and handicraft items from various states on display in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubanewar, Aug. 17: An ensemble of the rich hues of Rajasthan, woodcraft of Uttar Pradesh, silk of Madhya Pradesh, and tussar of Bengal has made the monsoon special handloom and handicraft exhibition at Exhibition Ground an affair to remember. The exhibition organised under the aegis of Roopmati Associate is an attempt to promote the weavers of the country.

The exhibition flaunts the most authentic and ingenious handicraft and handlooms from all over India. Various states have participated in the fair that has more than 50 kiosks that display products ranging from Madhubani and Chanderi saris, ethnic jewellery, Kashmiri kurtis, Shantiniketan bags to handmade sauces and squashes, bedsheets and other furnishings.

“Our sales so far have been very good. It is mostly the Hyderabadi corals that people are buying,” said Amjad of Hyderabadi jewellery kiosks.

Good-looking furniture as well as metal inlay work in wood from artisans of Uttar Pradesh are finding many takers. Famous Kota saris and bandhej fabrics from Rajasthan are also available at the exhibition.

Low prices and rebates are attracting customers from the city. Almost every handloom product has a discount of 20 per cent while handicraft items have a rebate of 10 per cent.

“This is the second time in a week that I am visiting this exhibition. It has a varied collection. My favourite is definitely the lac bangles of Rajasthan and cotton kurtis dyed in vegetable colours. The price range is also very reasonable,” said 21-year-old Shinjini.

Aporva Singh, the initiator-cum-manager of the exhibition, said: “This exhibition is an attempt to facilitate and promote the undiscovered talents of the weavers in our country. Unfortunately, we do not have a single kiosk from Orissa, though it is the host city,” added Singh.

The exhibition that started from Dehradun in summer will be travelling to Rourkela next. The month-long event in the city will continue till August 29.