
Crafts from the interiors of the country make their way to the city
It8217;s not everyday that you see them arrive by the dozen. So it8217;s a pleasant surprise to see invites pour in from two exhibition centres in the city playing host to 8220;official8221; read government-sponsored crafts melas. From the interiors of Chattisgarh to the tribal belt of Manipur, metal work to terracotta, palm leaf paintings to bamboo baskets8230;the indigenous crafts from across the country are up for grabs. Here8217;s a what, where and how much of it all.
TRIBES OF INDIA: Bringing in the best of tribal craft from the states of Orissa, Gujarat, Manipur, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh is the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd TRIFED by way of 8216;Aadishilp8217; on at the Panchayat Bhavan till December 28. It8217;s here that artisans get to present their crafts and interact with the urban consumers directly. 8220;These tribal artisans from remote areas of the country have brought beautiful creations in metal, stone pottery, textile, bamboo, jewellery and more,8221; mentioned Sangeeta Mahindra from TRIFED as we eyed dying arts as palm leaf paintings by award- winning craftsmen. What8217;s interesting to note is that the traditional arts have been used in contemporary formats to match consumer tastes. Like the beadwork diary covers, palm leaf 8216;shagun8217; envelopes, puppets on a stick, papier mache toys, wall hangings, black stone tableware from Manipur to list a few. You8217;ll also find stylish Bhagalpur silk stoles and sarees, blue pottery and wooden handicrafts. And yes, if you happen to find a whistling tune follow you through the exhibition, then do ask for the wind flute!