On a Sunday afternoon, when life seems dull, my friend suggested that I should visit the handicrafts expo in the Corporation Community Hall of Alwarpet. The affirmative tone in my friend’s voice made me make a trip to this place. For all I knew, I came back with boat load of goods to decorate my house. My mother thought I was planning an overhaul of interiors. A window shopping trip that turned out differently!

It is always a pleasure to see hand painted pots, terracotta figurines, paintings and a many more handicrafts stacked up in rows and displayed. Artisans from across India are camping in this place. The artistry on the wooden blocks and the furniture’s is definitely worth buying. Like other arts and crafts expo, this is a unique achievement in reviving and preserving centuries-old handicrafts. On display at the expo is the colorful and magnificent artistry of the countryside in its entire splendor.

Neetu, a house wife said, “I am coming here for the second time and even this time I buying things out of my list. The wooden massage bars and the paper weights are the best. The last time I came here I bought items in bulk as it was navarathiri time. They don’t have a specific closing date, as every time I ask they say end of the month.”

In expos like this I think bargaining is a sin, but even I have committed the sin. The craftsmen seem to bend a lot to secure the deal. Wondering if they make a good deal, I asked one seller who identified himself from Mysore, “We make decent business. Most of our sales are from bulk orders for offices etc. Participating in such expos helps us mingle with artisans across India. We are camped here till the end of the month but it could be extended.”

Chiseled raw wood objects of everlasting value, sculptured -wonders from stone, harnessed metal of stunning images of gods and goddesses and weaved magical cotton kurtas and bags. Products offered may include rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embellished hides, sophisticated fabric and drapery, gems, beads, brassware, metal crafts, and fabrics.

Venue:
Corporation Community Hall,
No. 21/30. C P Ramaswamy Road,
Opp. Kirtilal Jewellery,
Alwarpet ,
Chennai