For a next few days, Kolangal silk saree would be the talk among the ladies of Chennai. This new variety of silk saree has 108 traditional kolams. Generally, carpets are produced in 25�x15�. The mega size Bhavani carpet measures 35�x15�. The silk saree and the carpet were introduced by M. K. Stalin, Minister for Rural Development and Local Administration, at the National Handloom Expo 2008 at Co-optex Complex, Egmore.

The Expo is organised by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, under the Ministry of Textiles in the state capitals in order to encourage weavers and enable the customers to know more about the Handloom varieties.

The Minister also introduced 300 new saree designs and distributed new looms and accessories to 76 weavers at the cost of Rs 1.50 crore under the Weavers� Welfare Scheme.

Thirteen states including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Orissa, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Puducherry, New Delhi and Assam participate in the National Handloom Expo.

One hundred and twenty five stalls have been set up. On display are bed spreads, furnishing, decorative designed fabrics in various designs and patterns for ladies, gents and children. In order to attract women, a huge collection of sarees like Bengal Cotton Sarees, cut work sarees, chickan embroidery sarees, Kashmir silk printed sarees and Banaras chiffon sarees are displayed.

A live demonstration of the techniques of weaving and dyeing is also organised. Inaugurating the Expo, Stalin said that handloom sales for the current year were at Rs.120 crore, while the target was Rs.125crore.

B. B. Paul, Director, Weavers� Service Centre, said that the Central Government had drafted various programmes for promoting handloom industry under the 11th Five Year Plan including 50 international level expos, 50 national level, 125 state level and 500 district level events.

Parithi Ilamvazhuthi, Minister for Information; NKKP. Raja, Minister for Handlooms and M. Subramanian, Mayor of Chennai were also present on the occasion.

The exhibition, which is on till April 8 is open to the public from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on all working days and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on holidays. There is a discount ranging from 20% to 60%.

U. Bakialakshmi