Textile treat

The Handicraft Handloom Expo brings together textiles and crafts from across the country

PHOTO: K.V. Srinivasan

Wide range At the Handicraft Handloom Expo

The Handicraft Handloom Expo is different as it showcases some usual and a few not-so-common textiles. Lucknow's chikankari work finds expression on kurtis, salwar suits and saris, but the best buy at the show would be the shirts. Perfect for the weather and embellished with embroidery, the shirts can be carried off by both the adventurous and the conservative in style.

For those who are looking for traditional dress material, there is a wide range to choose from — Rajasthani block prints, Kashmiri ari work, Kutch tie and dye and Banarasi. As for saris, the exquisite Kantha collection in an array of colour combinations will appeal to the young and the old. The famed raw Kosa of Madhya Pradesh in subtle hues is another attraction. There are some in bright tones such as turquoise blue. There is enough to pick and choose if you plan to deck up your home. Bed linen with matching pillow covers is available in quite a few patterns: Rajasthani bed covers with mirror work, muri work from Bengal featuring blue and pink florals on pure white and some with bold and colourful stripes. As for furniture, you can go in for the all-time favourite cane mudas.Also available at the expo are interesting knick knacks such as handkerchiefs with chikan work, terracotta jewellery, Rajasthani pickles and churan, acupressure objects, filigree work accessories and stone mushrooms and turtles for your garden or backyard. The exhibition, organised by the Gramin Hastkala Vikas Samiti, Agra, is on till May 23 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) at the YMCA Ground, Royapettah.

MEERA MOHANTY

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