The Orissa Magic

Expressbuzz (Kochi), Nov 27, 2010

Art and Crafts Exposition’s Orissa crafts fair at the Women’s Association Hall on Diwan’s Road is drawing in huge crowds. There are 40 artisans from Orissa at the expo displaying their products.The main attraction of the exhibition is the handloom section.Saris from different states including Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Gujarat, Punjabi phulakaris, Rajasthani dress materials, kalamkari and mangalgiri dress material, Kashmiri tops and dress materials, salwars and much more await you. The Orissa handloom saris are in demand this year as well. Ikat sari, bomkai sari, Cuttack sari, bandha and pasapalli are the varieties you may choose from.Check out the palm leaf writings that have a place of prominence in Oriyan houses and temples.For them, palm leaves are so auspicious that they print new year cards and wedding invitations on them. The patachitra paintings are special as they are done on specially treated cloth or patas. The artists mostly use red, black, yellow, white and indigo blue in these paintings. Like patachitras, Orissa’s appliqué work, which also originated as a temple art, is hugely popular. Saris and other attire designed with appliqué work are in demand at the sale.Sarangpur wooden items, Chennapatna toys, bangles, one gram gold jewellery, semi-precious silver jewellery, Rajasthani paintings, black and white metal idols and tribal paintings catch your eye for their uniqueness.The saris are priced from Rs 300 upwards while the salwars and dress materials are priced from Rs 250 onwards. The exhibition offers 20 percent discounts on handlooms and 10 percent discount on handicrafts. Drop in before December 6.