Archita Sahoo checks out a sari at the Silk India Expo-2014 in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, June 8: Various garment stores in the city have come with lucrative offers to woo the shoppers with only a week to go for Raja festival.

Trying to make most of the festive season, Hastashilpi — the artisans’ and weavers’ welfare association has organised Silk India Expo –2014.

The eight-day exhibition-cum-sale that commenced today is taking place at a city-based-hotel near Ram Mandir.

Doing away with middlemen, the exhibition allows the artisans to come in direct contact with the customers. Individual artisans and also cooperatives have set up about 70 kiosks.

The variety in saris is overwhelming. From Mysore silk to Banarasi and from crepe and georgette silk saris to chiffon, the range will leave women spoilt for choice if they want to flaunt Indian wear during the festival.

Tussar, Kanjivaram and jute silk saris are also available. While a simple silk sari will costs around Rs 500, the ones with intricate motifs and texture meant for bridal wear will cost around Rs 40, 000.

“Even designer saris are available here. Apart from that one can splurge on Kashmiri and Punjabi jootis and silk hand bags,” said Abhinand, a member of the organising team.

Actress Archita Sahu, who came to inaugurate the exhibition, spent an hour checking various saris and kurtis.

“I am amazed with the collection here. From Kashmir to Karnataka, saris of every possible variant of silk are available here. I will pick up something vibrant for the coming Raja festival,” said Sahu.

Nizamuddin, hailing from Bihar, has come to Odisha for the first time hoping that Odia customers will take a liking to his hand-woven muga saris.

Similarly, artisans from Gujarat can be seen selling wax batik six-yard drapes and those from Bengal are demonstrating their tant saris.

Lucknow chikan saris are also a huge draw. “I came here looking for a chiffon saris, but now I am confused. With patterns from ikkat and pashmina to Banarasi brocades and ornamental baluchari, I cannot make up my mind as I seem to like everything,” said Sujata, a homemaker.