Visitors take a look at saris and dress materials at the handloom expo in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 23: A variety of traditional outfits and accessories with a transformed look, which have been displayed at a handloom fair in the city, have caught the fancy of woman shopaholics.

With the festive season just around the corner, the timing of the handloom expo, organised by the Weavers’ Service Centre, Orissa chapter, couldn’t have been better.

Weavers from Orissa have displayed a rich collection of handloom from Sonepur, Bargarh, Cuttack and other districts. Apart from the traditional saris in Bomkai, Sambalpuri, Kotpad and other patterns, the artisans have also exhibited stylish kurtis and salwar suit materials for young girls.

Weavers from Andhra Pradesh have showcased their special handloom in a number of stalls. The Mangalagiri handloom from Guntur is very attractive.

Using vegetable dye for Kalamkari dress materials they have spiced up the salwar suit sets with eye-catching patchwork designs. Pochampally saris and kurtis are also displayed at the stalls.

“We have added new designs that are different from what our forefathers used to weave. This has caught the attention of young customers and we are glad our handloom has been appreciated here too,” said Surendra, a weaver from Andhra Pradesh.

The Madhya Pradesh stalls also have tops of batik prints and salwar materials with Warli tribal block prints. “Batik kurtis are a rage in cities like Delhi. We have also introduced figure batik prints in our collection that have a traditional portrait of a female figure in batik at the centre of the kurti. This is very popular with Oriya customers,” said Md. Nazir, a weaver from Madhya Pradesh.

While Haryana stalls showcase some charming varieties in furnishings and handbags with designs having a contemporary touch, the Bengal stall offers a rich ensemble of kantha and tussar saris and kurtis.

“We were waiting for exhibitions to start in the city as it happens every year before Dusherra and Diwali. This fair has great varieties of handloom that can be gifted and flaunted during the festive season,” said Maheswari Nayak, a visitor.

The theme pavilion at the expo is also attracting visitors.

“We have displayed award-winning designs as well as some exquisite handloom saris from Orissa at the theme pavilion. Our weavers use manual looms even today and, hence, the quality is better than products of powerlooms,” said Pitabash Meher, textile designer for Weavers’ Service Centre, Bhubaneswar office.

The exhibition will continue at Kasturba Nari Mahal in the city till October 3.