Date:01/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/01/stories/2007070153850300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

An aromatic exhibition

Staff Reporter

Colourful: A visitor trying a lavancha hat at the exhibition.

Bangalore: In a little corner of a posh mall is a bit of north Karnataka. It is totally a different atmosphere at Shopper’s Stop in N.S. Palya on Bannarghatta Road where, amidst branded clothes and accessories, an aromatic corner features lavancha products are displayed.

The exhibition, inaugurated on Friday by B.K. Chandrashekhar, Chairman of the Legislative Council, is put up by the rural artisans who want to promote their art and creativity in the urban market.

M.D. Mathew, veteran artisan who trains the others, says: “These products are made by handicapped, unlettered artisans among which a majority are women.” These products, which encompass accessories such as slippers, bags, caps and other items like showpieces and mats, are made in around Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district by more than 150 workers and they require a high degree of skill and hard work.

Lavancha (Madiyala Khas) is used in Ayurvedic medicine.

It is said that lavancha footwear cools the body, reducing the chances of cracked heels. Other products include lavancha soaps, perfumes and so on.

The exhibition is on till July 29.