Date:14/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2005/05/14/stories/2005051401100200.htm

Back Metro Plus Bangalore Chennai Coimbatore Delhi Hyderabad Kochi Madurai Mangalore Pondicherry Tiruchirapalli Thiruvananthapuram Vijayawada Visakhapatnam

Old world charm

The `Handlooms of India' fair showcases the best of traditional textiles

Six-yard splendour

An eye-catching collection of Maheshwari saris draws your attention as you enter `Handlooms of India' exhibition at Poompuhar, Anna Salai. Elaborate pallus, bold and colourful squares or florals, the saris are works of art. The price ranges from Rs. 2,200 onwards.

But there is nothing unusual or striking about other handcrafted textiles on display. If you like the white and gold classy Kasavu from Kerala, then salwar kameez material and saris are available.

Ideal for summer

The soft cotton is perfect for summer. There are also Sambalpuri yardage and dupattas (Rs. 360 and above). Orissa's ikat seems to have become mandatory at every fair. The Poompuhar show has on display an award winning design of master weaver Rajendra Meher. Priced at Rs.12,000, the plain tussar silk sari has an exquisite pallu depicting tribal art.

Pipili work

The Pipili cushion covers also from Orissa have been machine-stitched using a single thread. So when the stitches give way you still can use them as wall hangings. The exhibition offers an opportunity to choose from the best of traditional textiles and saris. The fair is on till May 25.

MEERA MOHANTY