With Christmas at the doorsteps and New Year approaching round the corner, the season of festivals has just begun. And the season brings with it the joys of gifting and receiving gifts, as is the tradition. Choosing the right kind of gift is an art in itself, not to mention the fun associated with it.
Artisans from all over India are showcasing their authentic handloom and handicraft creations at an exclusive Crafts Mela at JSS Mysore Urban Haat in Hebbal Industrial Area, providing ample choices of gift items for the festivities.
More than 40 artisans from about 20 States are participating in the 17-day exhibition where Santa Claus with Christmas tree, lamps, purses decorated with brass artefacts, stars, chocolates including Rajastani jewellery, silk sarees, salwar kameez, kurthas, stone jewellery, zari embroidery dress materials, bronze statues, Tanjore paintings, purely vegetable-dyed bed sheets, banana-fibre carpets, bangles and wooden furniture of Rajasthan and many more items from other places are on display.
Also, attractive polki sets, studded with stone and beads, silver jewellery, artificial flower creepers, lacquer jewellery, leather bags, brassware, traditional paintings, toys and other handicrafts are on display-cum-sale at the exhibition which is open for public from 10 am to 9 pm till January 3.
Exquisite brass purses
Amidst the colourful array of handicrafts is the unique stall of Afsar Khan. He is very much enthused to display his rare gift items made of brass. “We have come from Delhi. We are selling purses made out of brass. These are all handmade products, which we make traditionally,” said Afsar Khan and expressed his joy at exhibiting his talent in the Palace City. “I was very much inspired by my uncle who was making the craft and learnt the art from him. In the initial days, I learnt to cut the brass sheet, then molding, burning the sheet and giving a finishing. Now, I make purses, handbags of big size with variety of designs too,” added Afsar.
Bronze idols
Shivannachar from Bangalore offers exquisite bronze handicraft idols of gods and goddesses, which are easy to clean. These idols form a beautiful adornment for homes as well as offices. “With a team of pivotal craftsmen, we create these highly innovative masterpieces which requires least maintenance,” says Char.
Mud lamps
Even though in today’s era electric lights have substituted terracotta clay lamps (diya), Murugan from Kerala is showcasing traditional clay lamps of different styles and hues. He learnt it by his own interest and desires to create new designs. He has also displayed different types of candles.
Colorful aura of Rajasthan
The traditionally ethnic spectrum of Rajasthan’s handicraft heritage was on display, showcasing a dazzling form of colors and textures. Though there is a wood paucity in Rajasthan, the artisan Thyagaraj from Rajasthan is displaying carved wooden sculptures, carved doors, fretted screen windows and so on.
Chennapatna wood toys
Faiyaz from Chennapatna is displaying exquisite colourful wood toys which are manufactured in the town of Channapatna. Traditionally, the work involves decorating the wood of Aale mara (ivory-wood).
“We are a family of toymakers. I learnt this from my father. Our entire family has been working on making toys. We also make saada bombe, that is simple dolls without frills.
"Earlier, people used to work on hand lathes in their homes and then we would go to the toy emporiums for selling the products. Now, things have changed and are more streamlined, as we take final finishings from factories. Our city is also famous as Gombegala Ooru (toy-town) of Karnataka," adds Faiyaz with pride in his voice.
Tanjore painting
Bharanidharan, a dexterous artiste from Tamil Nadu, has an immense interest in traditional Tanjore paintings and has displayed more than 70 of his collections. He says he had learnt the art barely five years ago and feels happy to exhibit his talent in city. He is also interested in imparting knowledge for those interested.
Leather handbags
The beautifully designed leather bags are a perfect symbol of today’s fashion. "Made from superior quality leather, our bags are known for their vivid patterns and style quotient. The front pocket, inside zip section and mobile holder, shoulder strap all are made of soft and high quality leather," says Shabbir of Uttar Pradesh, who is displaying belts, office bags, college bags and purses made of leather.
Naturally dyed colours
The new variety of tie-and-dye prints, traditional zari on the border and motifs that are printed on the towels, bed sheets using natural vegetable colour are also centres of attraction at K.K. Dayalan’s stall who has come all the way from Chittur, Andhra Pradesh, to display his wares.
Polki bangles
Sarika from Delhi has been designing Polki bangles since the past ten years. "To satisfy the exquisite taste of customers, we create excellent Polki bangles, kundan bracelets and necklaces."
Entrance to the expo is free. For more details, contact Mob: 94482-68178.
[Wednesday 23rd December 2009]
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