Date:08/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/08/stories/2006100813310200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

A range of saris to choose from

Staff Reporter

Expo organised at Kuralagam for Deepavali

BRIGHT COLOURS: Visitors take a look at the silk saris lined up at Kuralagam on Saturday. — Photo: S. Thanthoni

CHENNAI: New varieties of saris in different materials abound at an exhibition organised by the Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles, Kuralagam.

The office on the second floor at the complex was transformed into an exhibition hall for the two-day Deepavali discount sale.

Inaugurated by C.P. Singh, secretary to the Handlooms Department, on Saturday, the expo showcased several varieties of silk and cotton saris, cotton salwars and home furnishings produced by 72 handloom weavers' cooperative societies across the State.

Besides the traditional varieties from Kancheepuram, Kumbakonam and Arani, silk saris with embroidery at price starting at Rs.2,000 are this year's highlight.

Heavy discounts

A heavy discount of 35-45 per cent adds to the attractions. An official said that an extra 10 per cent discount was given based on the year of manufacture of the product.

About 350 designs were procured from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, and developed by the weavers in both silk and cotton.

Silkcon, a variety of synthetic yarn with embroidery introduced in saris, is expected to be a crowd puller.

The saris in bright colours and intricate designs, along with dhotis and bedsheets, come at a discount of 10 to 40 per cent.

The exhibition is open till Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will be held at Vijaya Mahal T. Nagar, from October 11 to 20.