Artists demonstrate the making of khadi handicraft at the exhibition in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Sanjib Mukherjee
Bhubaneswar, March 18: Khadi, which was once mostly worn by writers and politicians, has become a fashion fad nowadays.
The indication comes from the national-level khadi exhibition, organised on the Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board premises, that has done a business of around Rs 4 crore, which is almost double that of the state-level khadi fair held in December last year.
'The last fair was quite popular and gave the weavers an opportunity to sell their products directly to the customers. We had decided to organise it on a grand scale again and are happy that the turnout as well as the collections are bigger this time,' said board president Tejeswar Parida.
Around 200 kiosks showcasing khadi apparels, fabrics and saris, along with cottage-industry products, were set up at the fair that witnessed participation from weavers and craftsmen from 20 states across the country and around 15 districts in the state.
Sellers said cotton khadi fabrics were in high demand. 'With the temperature already soaring, buyers preferred cotton stoles and light-coloured kurtas,' said Rama Routray, a weaver from a village in Khurda district.
A weaver shows his work at the exhibition
A number of handicraft items made from horns, straws, brass and wood, also attracted buyers.
Jute bags of Maharashtra and wall hangings from Bengal were also sold in large numbers.
One of the major highlights of the fair were the series of demonstration stalls that provided the visitors an opportunity to witness the process of weaving handloom and making of traditional handicraft items of the state. Spinning of the eight-spindle charkha, making of incense sticks, wood and stone carving were among a few art works that were on display.
The fair gave people an opportunity to buy khadi items and village products that are not available on a regular basis. and they are not available in the general markets. <>That apart a number of handicraft items made from horn art and bamboo were quite attractive,' said Sukanya Patnaik, a homemaker.
On February 26 while inaugurating the exhibition, chief minister Naveen Patanik had launched the official website of the khadi board to endorse merchandise made from the traditional fabric by the rural weavers of the state.
The fair concluded today.
