If the frequency with which handicraft exhibitions being held in the Twin city is any indication, the future of such works of art certainly seems positive. For, an assured market and handsome economic returns can help sustain the art as well as the country’s heritage. Going by the number of such shows and public participation in them, as well as business turnover, there is reason to be optimistic.The latest in a series of such exhibitions is the ongoing Gandhi Shilpa Bazaar organised by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, in association with the Odisha State Cooperative Handicraft Corporation Ltd - Utkalika - at the Baliyatra Ground in Cuttack.From Rajasthani puppets and wooden artefacts, dry flowers from Northeast to leather puppets from Andhra Pradesh and papier mache articles, the exhibition showcases some of the exquisite art forms of the country. People looking for striking artefacts to decorate their homes could pick from a wide variety of choices such as wrought iron artefacts from Chhattisgarh, Rajasthani paintings, Madhubani paintings, Rajasthani antique showpieces, rosewood carvings, wood craft from Karnataka, Solapith and Jute crafts of West Bengal, wall hanging and traditional toys of Gujarat and incensed wax candles of Pondicherry. In addition, there are Talli Zutti from Haryana, stuffed toys, brass metal ware, leather items and lac bangles from Madhya Pradesh.The exhibition also has a large collection of handlooms from many States, including chanderi silk from Madhya Pradesh, Lucknowi chikan work and Punjabi phulkari embroidery.Besides, the all-important handicrafts of Odisha like stone and wood carvings, Pattachitra, silver filigree, appliqué, terracotta and paddy craft are also available for sale at the fair, according to Utkalika Managing Director Jagannath Mohanty.The main objective behind conducting this event is to provide artisans a platform to market their products and bring them in direct contact with the public. This arrangement will also ensure that over 150 artisans from across the country can interact with consumers and get an idea of new trends and tastes.The exhibition will be open between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. till November 19.
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