Date:07/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/07/stories/2007070751510200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Riot of colours at ‘Crafts Festival’

Staff Reporter

The exhibition, which opened on Thursday, is on till July 19

— Photo: S. Thanthoni

Wide range: Visitors look at the exhibits at the ‘Crafts Festival’, which opened in Chennai on Thursday.

CHENNAI: It was a riot of colours at the opening of the ‘Crafts Festival’ exhibition organised by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation at Good Shepherd Hall on Kodambakkam High Road on Thursday.

A range of items, including sofa sets made of bamboo, water reed wall hangings, soapstone dishes and cane vases were showcased by 55 craftsmen from various States.

P. Sundaramurthi, Regional Director (Southern Region), Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Chennai, inaugurated the exhibition. The office, under the Union Ministry of Textiles, is sponsoring the exhibition, which aims to create an awareness of handicrafts. The exhibition is also intended to serve as a platform for the launch of new products and to bring together craftsmen from different parts of the country into direct contact with buyers.

Several traditional exhibits such as Aooshawl shawls from Nagaland and Laishingffee blankets from Manipur were on display. Saris, kurtas, jewellery, brass ornaments, sequined bags and various other artefacts were on sale. Water reeds, traditionally used in north-eastern states to make mats, were used to make racks, trays, bowls and bags. Lampshades shaped like huts and innovatively designed wall hangings added to the variety on display. The exhibition is on till July 19.