Khadi Gramodyog Bhavans kolu expo opens for public

The much-awaited Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan’s annual kolu (navarathri dolls) exhibition  opened to public on Monday evening, setting the tone for the coming festival season.

Some of the new entrants and highlights of this year are scenes and sets of Mayabazar, Kulabathram, Ramayanam, Joythilingam, Srirangam and  Thiruvillayadal.  The Ramayana set is an exquisite piece of art, bringing the 25 scenes of the great epic alive. Some of the scenes like Asokavanam, Ramajananam, Sethubandam, Sitaswayavaram, Ravan Darbar, and not to miss Kumbakarnan’s nap are delicately encapsulated in the paper mache art form.

Kolu enthusiasts S Surendranath, S Amarnath and S Aparna, who are also  regular customers of  Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan’s Kolu dolls made the first purchase worth `28,000.

Mohandoss from Pondicherry the man behind the Ramayana art work says, “Last year, we displayed 17 scenes, this year we are presenting 25 scenes. It took us one year to complete the work”.

Priced at `80,000, Mohandoss is confident that all the 20 sets will be sold.         Speaking at the inaugural function, G Santhanam, Secretary, Department of Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi,  appreciated the efforts taken by Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan to preserve the art tradtion of paper mache kolu dolls and in promoting the work of artisans.

He said, “The work done by khadi Gramodyog Bhavan is a fine example of inclusive development. Though the textile mills meets the clothing needs of the people, the role played by institutions like  Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan is crucial , as they protect, promote and provide channels to preserve the tradition and make it economically viable for the artisans.”

“Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan  which was started in 1957 by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Kamaraj  to encourage artisans, has grown into an institution which has preserved tradition and uplifted lives of many artisans,” said Raja, Secretary of Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, Chennai.

   The exhibition will be open for public from 10 am to 8pm on all days, expect Sundays, till October 27.