Date:02/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/02/stories/2006090219850200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Choice collection of handicrafts on display

Swahilya

Fair inaugurated on Thursday is on till September 10

ORIGINAL WORKS: A buyer browses through the collection of handicraft items and jewellery at the `Craft Man's Fair' at C.P. Arts Centre, Chennai. — Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

CHENNAI: An exclusive collection of handlooms, handicrafts and jewellery from all parts of the country are on display at the Craft Man's Fair organised by Artisans Welfare Group, Rajasthan.

The fair, inaugurated on Thursday by Rajathi Karunanidhi, wife of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, at the C.P. Art Centre is on till September 10.

Anil Kapoor, president of the group, said the fair was being organised to promote craftsmen and weavers and provide them with a platform to sell their products.

The handloom items from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu include chanya cholis, tops with mirror work, especially colourful and beautifully stitched clothes for children, salwar sets with chikan work and other household items.

The jewellery displayed include pieces embedded with precious and semi-precious stones, and chains and pendants.

Different varieties of Ganesha idols made of stone, metals and other materials,

Hyderabad pearl jewellery, and rudraksha and sphatika beads and chains are also available.

A prize exhibit is a century-old carving of a temple chariot that costs a whopping Rs.1 lakh.