Bhubaneswar, Aug. 26: The ongoing Cotton Fab fair at Exhibition Ground in the city is offering traditional saris in vibrant hues, bold patterns and delicately decorated designs making it a delight for women who love handloom saris.

Buyers are showing interest in the kalamkari vegetable-dyed saris, gadwal, pochampalli and zari border saris from Andhra, Madurai and Kanjeevaram saris from Tamil Nadu in bright colours and designs.

The traditional ari and needleworks from Lucknow on chikan apparels, kota doria dress materials from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh's chanderi and maheswari saris, Assam's moga silk saris and kurtis are a few highlights of the exhibition.

The exhibition, that has entered its ninth edition this year, aims to provide an opportunity to the handloom weavers to sell their products directly to the customers.

"The products at the exhibition boast of exquisite craftsmanship and artistry and will be a valuable addition to every shopper's wardrobe," said Akhil Kumar, a seller at the exhibition.

The prices of the saris start from as low as Rs 300, but can go up to Rs 25,000 depending on the quality and the work.

The prices of dress materials start from Rs 400 and go up to Rs 5,000.

Apart from dress materials, a wide range of mats, rugs, quilts, and a range of exotic jewellery are also available.

A seller said buyers were splurging in oxidised jewellery this time.

"A lot of customers are buying bangles in lacquer and glass, metal and wood, bracelets, handbags and footwear, especially jutis," said another seller Akash Jha.

One can also find Afghani and Patiala salwar, kurtis in tussar, crepe and chiffon.

Rajasthani stone jewellery, baag prints from Chhattisgarh, embroidered stoles from Kashmir are also in demand. Odisha's Sambalpuri, ikkat and khandua silk saris are also available.

"We have been receiving good footfall every year. The shoppers here encourage us to conduct the fair regularly. Moreover, the state government has been helpful in promoting traditional saris made by the artisans," said one of the organisers of the exhibition.

"The exhibition is held at the perfect time as the festive season has arrived. Moreover, handloom saris are in fashion these days," Suparna Behera, an IT professional.