The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Characters from classical Tamil literature come alive at expo

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Saturday, Sep 29, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Characters from classical Tamil literature come alive at expo

Staff Reporter

— Photo: S.Thanthoni

Enticing Exhibits: Visitors take a look at the dolls at the Poompuhar showroom on Anna Salai on Thursday.

CHENNAI: Characters from Tamil literature were vividly replicated at the Poompuhar showroom on Anna Salai. The 12 alwars and Tamil poets welcome the visitors to the Kolu dolls exhibition that was opened on Thursday ahead of Navarathri festival.

The ‘Tamil Literary Kolu’ collection introduced this year features scenes from classical literature such as the wedding ceremony of Angavai and Sangavai and the dance performance of Madhavi. Some of the striking exhibits include the noble gesture of Paari and Bhegan, as mentioned in Sangam literature.

Inaugurated by Rural Industries Minister Pongalur N.Palanisamy, the exhibition has an interesting array of dolls lined up such as Krishna Leela set, Kuberan set and Dasavatharam set. Some of the new arrivals include Jadayu Moksham set, Chidambara Natyanjali set and Girivalam set. Cricket and park sets are the other attractions.

Hosted by Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation, the exhibition also showcases idols in white metal, ceramic and terracotta, providing a wide variety for the visitors. For those on the look out for novelty, traditional dolls from Calcutta and Rajasthan in bright hues will be a fine choice.

Several stalls have items for children, be it Chennapatna toys or banana fibre dolls. Colourful materials are also available to dress up the wooden ‘marapachi’ toys of different sizes.

Bullock carts, vintage cars and giant wheels made of lacquered wood are the crowd-pullers. The organisers said that several artisans from places across the country, including Karnataka, West Bengal and New Delhi participated. About Rs.25 lakh is expected as sales from this exhibition.

A 10 per cent discount is offered at the exhibition, which is on till October 19 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., including Sundays.

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