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It’s time to return to one’s roots. And, the increasing popularity of traditional arts and crafts is proving that. The ongoing promotion-cum-sale of traditional handicrafts and handlooms - Monsoon Fab - at the Exhibition Ground is no different.Even on the opening day on Monday, people were seen milling around to take their pick of colourful wooden toys, carpets, dress materials and other handicrafts from across the country.Organised by the Hathkargha Bunkar Sahakari Sangha Maryadit of Madhya Pradesh, the fair is not confined to the state. Creations from Uttar Pradesh, notably Chikan work from Lucknow, Madhya Pradesh, wooden toys from Karnataka, Rajasthan and West Bengal share the exhibition space.The small figurines of Gods and Goddesses from New Delhi were eye-catching. Made of a mixture of marble dust and chemical powder, the carving was excellent. Among the icons are a tanpura-playing Hanuman and Lord Ganesh in various poses. Ganesh “Thorananams” made of the same material were priced at a steep Rs 500, but the novelty of the work might see a few people buying it. Terracotta items were lent more sheen, thanks to their being painted in red and copper hues. A “magic” mud lamp, where the oil had to be poured from the bottom, caught the attention of many. Leatherware from Madhya Pradesh - camels, horses, deer - and a host of economical purses and pouches will make for good gift articles.Madhubani and tribal paintings, handicrafts of jute, lacquerware, bell metal, iron, stone, wood, jewellery and furniture items also find a place in the exhibition.As far as handloom is concerned, there are vegetable-dyed block-printed Maheswari, Chanderi, Kosa, Waraseoni cotton and Bagh printed saris, both in pure cotton and silk. These sarees are priced between Rs 1200 and Rs 10,000. Besides, Batik and vegetable dye and block-printed dress materials, wall panels, handloom bedsheets and dhurries are available.Organiser Apurva Singh said as many as 100 artisans from all over the country are participating in Monsoon Fab. “The aim is to provide a platform to rural artisans who can directly interact and sell their products to customers without interference of any middlemen,” she said.Inaugurated by Secretary of Textile & Handloom Arti Ahuja, Monsoon Fab would continue till August 30.
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