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The allure of Andhra

The LePakshi fare brings to the city craftsmanship of the coastal state

PHOTOS: S. SIVA SARAVANAN

ETHNIC HANDICRAFTS In vibrant hues

A burst of colours draws you to Jayams Hall. Traditional Pochampalli designs in yellow and blue, blemishless pearls sitting pretty and terracotta wind chimes bring alive the rural crafts of Andhra Pradesh.

Brought to the city by the Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation, the LePakshi exhibition-cum-sale throws up the quintessential crafts of the coastal Indian state.

The saree crazy ones would find the restraining act a trifle tough here. From Mangalagiri handloom sarees to eco-friendly vegetable-dyed Kalamkari ones, there is a classy collection. The Kalamkari sarees, brought from Machchilipatnam, come in sober colours with a rich pallu and are hand woven. These sarees are priced from Rs. 640.

Other State exclusives on show are traditional cotton Narayanpet and Chirala sarees. But the pick of the lot are the LePakshi block printed cotton sarees. Often done in subtle colours, the prints grace the border and the pallu and the sarees are priced upwards of Rs. 480. LePakshi print sarees embellished with over 300 mirrors are priced at Rs. 560.

Maheshwari sarees from neighbouring Madhya Pradesh also find a place in the exhibition. As if to give them an Andhra touch, these silk cotton sarees have been given a Kalamkari border.

Dress materials are available in Mangalagiri, Kalamkari and Pochampalli varieties.

Besides Andhra Pradesh, traditional sarees from West Bengal as well as Orissa are also on show. Santiniketan sarees with Kantha work are available in cotton, silk and georgette. Bengal cotton sarees come with zari work and printed kosa silk sarees. Both are priced at Rs. 2,600.

Also from the land of pearls is a range of pearl and semi-precious jewellery. Pearl sets, studded with beads and stones, are priced between Rs. 300 and Rs. 1,200. Pendants of moonstone, onyx, mother-of-pearl and other semi-precious stones are priced between Rs. 600 and Rs. 1,500.

Terracotta items from Andhra Pradesh include lamps, over 100 different models of Ganesha and wind chimes. On show are Warangal durries and carpets and khadi sarees from Guntur.

But what is quintessential Andhra without the pickle? So, at the entrance is the lady selling the brinjal, gongura and bitter gourd pickle along with Andhra podi.

Apart from Andhra fare, there are a variety of other items. Patchwork bedsheets from Meerut, cloth bags from Nagpur with special ones for sarees, jewellery and medicines, razais (quilts) from Rajasthan, khadi cotton and Banarsi sarees from Varanasi, Jaipur lac bangles and Lucknowi chikan also vie for your attention.

Of interest are the clay models from West Bengal. Little models of peasants and musicians are available for Rs. 90 a piece and Rs. 135 a set. The exhibition-cum-sale is on till August 15 and is open on all days from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

ANIMA BALAKRISHNAN

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