Handloom products on display at Tana Bana fair in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Sanjib Mukherje

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 3: Weavers under the aegis of different societies from various states have displayed their handloom products at the ongoing Tana Bana exhibition held at Exhibition Ground in the city.

Participants belonging to states such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Bengal and Uttar Pradesh are showcasing their products. A number of local handloom traders have also displayed the fabrics of the state such as Sambalpuri, khandua and Ikat. An array of garments, including salwar suits, casual and formal kurtis, stoles and saris, in a variety of fabrics are available at the fair.

While Phulkari from Punjab is becoming popular among the visitors, Bengal’s Baluchari and Jamdani are also eye-catching. Shoppers are also spoilt for choice with a large variety of saris such as Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh, Benarasi from UP and Bhagalpuri Silk from Bihar.

Participants are expecting a profitable business. “We hope that a large number of customers will turn up during the weekends. We have also heard that the local Kartik Purnima is a grand affair here, so we have pinned our hopes on it,” said Goutam Jana, a weaver from Delhi.

A large number of home furnishing items such as bedcovers, curtains and carpets are also obtainable in a variety of colours and in intricate designs.

The exhibition aims to boost the handloom sector, said the organisers. “This will give not only an opportunity to the weavers to showcase their products, but also a platform to sell their items directly to the customers,” said Naresh Jambulkar, an official from the organising committee.

Visitors to the expo say that the collection at the fair is quite varied. “The design of the saris and suits are quite nice. The good thing is that the style and the assortment of colours will cater to the choices of all kinds of people,” said Anuprash Behera, a 32-year-old home-maker.

A few stalls selling lip-smacking dishes are also attracting the visitors. Organised by the Association of Corporation and Apex Society of Handlooms under the ministry of textiles, the exhibition concludes on November 9.