Bhubaneswar, Jan. 29: For the first time, state-run cooperative society Boyanika organised a handloom expo on the outskirts of the city at the proposed BDA Park site at Pokhariput to tap rural as well as urban customers.
It is only 8km from the heart of the city thereby not making it much difficult for people here to reach the expo. Weavers under the aegis of different societies from Odisha, Bengal and Bihar have displayed their handloom products at the exhibition.
From Odisha's very own ikkat and bomkai to khandua paata, there is a wide range of designs to choose from. That apart, other state-run cooperative societies - Sambalpuri Bastralay and Amlan - are also taking part in the exhibition. The expo also has on display a wide range of Sambalpuri handloom saris and collections from other districts of the state.
"The expo is being hosted at one end of the city to make sure that people from the nearby areas also get an opportunity to buy handloom products. Moreover, weavers here can directly interact with the buyers. We hope that a large number of customers will turn up during the weekends," said managing director of Boynika Bishnu Prasad Mishra.
The weavers are expecting to make a business of Rs 60 lakh.
"Such exhibitions are helpful in two ways. One that it helps us meet people from diverse backgrounds and it in turn helps us understand the demands of the customers. It also provides us an added opportunity for income," said Mrutunjay Meher, a weaver from Cuttack.
The vibrant collection of tussar weaves ranging between Rs 250 and Rs 6,000, starting from beautiful stoles and kurtis to dress materials and saris are attracting the buyers.
A few saris are also available in cotton that is lightweight and apt for the summer season. Saris with floral designs and tribal motifs on borders have found many takers.
Around 30 kiosks have been set up at the fair. A large number of home furnishing items are also available at good discount.
"Such exhibitions offer a lot of discounts, and we get quality products at a throwaway price," said Anshita Panigrahi, a buyer. The festival, which started on January 18, will end on February 3.
