Southern Special

It’s been a while since an all-state exhibition came calling to the city. The rising heat and zilch shopping sprees perhaps has much to do with it. Nevertheless,the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd is here with its ‘Poompuhar’ fair. “The response that we get from Chandigarh brings us back each year,” manager V Hemalatha doesn’t fail to mention as we walk in at Lajpat Rai Bhavan where the exhibition is on. Quintessential handicrafts and wooden sculptures greet you as you make your way in. If you are looking to stock up on brass diya lamps and the likes much before Diwali arrives,then now’s a good time with the exhibition offering a variety of the same. Speaking of traditional treats,you can also pick and choose Kanjeevaram silk sarees and a range of jewellery that’s been added to this year. “Apart from semi-precious stone jewellery we have also brought in authentic Bharatnatyam dancer jewellery as we call it,” informs Hemlatha as we eye the glittering pieces. Also there’s a range of single wood carvings and sandalwood sculptures that have been handpicked from artists across the state that are for sale at the exhibition. If you are looking for Thanjavur bejewelled paintings,then there’s quite a variety to choose from. To encourage and promote the stately arts,a special discount of 10 per cent on handicrafts and 20 per cent on handlooms is being offered all through the exhibition that is on till June 21.