Handicraft festival off to a good start

PNS|VISAKHAPATNAM

The two-day annual handicraft and handloom exhibition titled ‘Vasantham’ organised by the Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh (CCAP) got off to a good start on Thursday at Green Park hotel in the city. Hema Gouri, wife of the Industries Minister Gudivada Amarnath, and his mother Gudivada Nagamani were present. As many as 45 new stalls out of the 60, brought a wide range of handlooms, handicrafts, tribal jewellery, and home decor from across the country in one place to showcase their exquisite craftsmanship and to sell their items directly to the customers.

Ammaji Rayudu, chairperson of the Council said CCAP has been providing a platform for artisans and weavers across the country and this will be an opportunity for visitors to go through the latest creations by the craftsmen. Adding value and respect to the crafts tradition, CCAP felicitated awarding winning craftsman from Etikoppaka village CV Raju, for reviving the dying art of making sustainable and children-friendly wooden toys.

Dr. Renuka Rani, Joint Secretary of CCAP said, “This exhibition is not only about how handmade products find relevance in the modern context but about the inventiveness and ingenuity of the designers.”

NSR Prabhakar Varma, Director of Sarvani Sweets, said, “Our State is a treasure trove of a fascinating range of art forms and traditional crafts, each unique in style, theme, concept, form, and expression.

By associating with the crafts council of Andhra Pradesh, we came forward with the craft series to promote and to keep alive the artisans and weavers’ indomitable spirit.” Shoppers are also spoilt for choice with a large variety of ‘Chikankari’ garments embroidered with the finesse and finery, bright and classy double border Mangalagiri sarees & Ajrak block printed shawls in deep indigo and rich crimson of Sindh region. Also captivating are woven Jamdhani sarees combining intricacy of design with vibrant colours, Chanderi sarees which are elegant drape perfect and delightful Lambani tribal.