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Peep into the kaleidoscope of Indian handicrafts



True to its pan-India theme of 'Ekta Ki Virasat', the gala event has on display the best and attractive works from different states of the country. With many products available at affordable prices, visitors are thronging these stalls. TOI took a round of the Mahotsav on the varieties every state is offering.

Nagaland: Nagaland is blossoming at Mahotsav, literally. The new varieties of artificial flowers from this northeast state are in great demand. These are made after drying original flowers. While the Mise rose is priced at Rs 30 per stick, Emli has been priced at Rs 20 per stick. The grapes flower is available in three colours -- red, gold and silver. The decorative piece in spiral shape is also high in demand.

Punjab: The fine art work of fibre from Mohali has lent an artistic touch to the fest. From wall brackets to centre tables and from flowerpots to showpieces, the fibre art work is washable, unbreakable and has long life. The wall brackets are available for Rs 1,200 per pair while the range of table starts from Rs 12,000 and goes upto Rs 20,000.

Jammu and Kashmir: Be it feran, suit pieces, shawls or sarees, the Kashmiri stalls are always jampacked with the visitors. Available in pure wool, silk, pashmina and mixed fabrics, Kashmiri woollen stuff though comes at a cost.

Ahmedabad: Visitors are evincing interest in Kutchi handicraft like table cloth, wall hangings, bags and pillow cover. Apart from the varieties, these products are available in the affordable range between Rs 50 and Rs 800.

Himachal Pradesh: The design and colour on Kinnauri caps and shawls carries special religious significance and mythological background. The price of shawls range from Rs 750 to Rs 1,250. Besides Nehru Jacket is available for Rs 550 while price of ladies coat starts from Rs 1,350.

Odisha: Colourful lamp shades of Bhubaneswar have added vibrancy to Lucknow Mahotsav. Apart from this, wall hangings and bag with applique work are also available. The price of wall hangings starts from Rs 450 and that of bags from Rs 45.

Rajasthan: The traditional katputli (puppet), door hanging and king riding on a horse take one into childhood days. Made of wood and decorated with cloth, these items are still high in demand at Mahotsav. Easy on the pocket, the price of these stuff starts from Rs 20.

Assam: The stalls from Assam are displaying things made up of bamboo-like wall hanging with the face of animals, showpieces, hair clips, sofa and diwan. The bamboo sofa though has long life is priced high -- Rs 16,000. Other bamboo products start from Rs 20.

Tamil Nadu: The baskets, hats and trays made up of palm wood are very popular. Being attractive and cheap, many visitors are buying them. All the palm products range between Rs 20 and Rs 60.

West Bengal: The wide range of sarees from Kolkata are a major attraction for women visitors. While the range of Tat saree starts from Rs 500, Katha silk saree begins from Rs 5,000. The Cosa saree is priced at Rs 1,250 and above.

Madhya Pradesh: The stalls from Chanderi are displaying chanderi and silk sarees and cotton and silk pieces. The Chanderi sarees range between Rs 800-1,000 while the price of silk sarees begins from Rs 2,500. The starting range of Chanderi suit piece is from Rs 800.

Uttar Pradesh: Carved on Assam teak wood, the flowerpots, furniture and boxes from Saharanpur are also on display. The flowerpots range between Rs 600-2,500 while the cost of box is Rs 12,000. The range of furniture begins from Rs 1,000.