Crafting an identity

Craft takes on fashionable hues in New Delhi.

Over the years, espousing a good cause has taken on fashionable hues. No wonder, when non-governmental organisations get together to organise an exhibition, they stress on those aspects of the indigenous arts that appeal to the jet set. Take the exhibition and sale currently on at the Aga Khan Hall. Organised by Sasha, along with Sarba Shanti Ayog and the Sasha Association for Craft Producers, the display that continues through this coming Sunday includes everything from toys to cosmetics, spices to tablemats.

The Indian craft makers' inherent sense of humour comes out subtly through various objects. Like the cute piggy banks - shaped like camels, tortoises, monkeys, cats, cars, and yes, even pigs. Then there is the `croaking' frog that emits its protest when you tap its back with a thick stick! Other tuneful toys include the mini bongos and tables. The hats, table mats and baskets made of golden grass are attractive. Home furnishings and wall hangings, desk accessories made of coir are only some of the tempting things on sale.

To increase awareness of the immense skill that goes into these works, the exhibition includes demonstrations by artisans from various parts of the country.

Besides a whole section for toys, the exhibition offers ingredients for the gourmet cook - Natural Gourmet Spices, Mixed Vegetable Spices, Tandoori Chicken Masala, and so on.

If eating healthily is cool, looking good has always been so. Organic beauty products include shampoos, conditioners, moisturisers, massage oils and the like.

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