In summer, to beat the heat, people wear cotton clothes and various fairs are organised in the city to showcase them. But, the ‘Summer Handloom and Handicraft Fair 2014’ being organised at Bhopal Haat is not capturing much attention of the shopaholics. The mela began here on May 1 and would continue till May 12.
Most often the fair is organised to promote self-help groups, who are invited to display their handloom work of their region. There is a magnificent collection of dress materials, jewellery, leather, food items, terracotta and much more. Self-employed artisans are participating in the mela hugely.
The in-charge of Bhopal Haat, Dinesh Tiwari, told The Pioneer, “Usually Sankrantri Mela is organised each year to promote the self-employed artisans living under poverty line and also to let the people of the city and even tourists enjoy shopping in a unique way. Further, with such opportunities offered by the Government self vendors get a chance to display their products.”
SHG artisans from different parts of the country have arrived in the mela to display and to sell their products. Tiwari also quoted the fact that these artisans earn the profit from sale directly through the customers.
Further, to enhance the taste buds of the Bhopalites, vendors also brought the different eatables as well. The mela is adorned with the traditions of different regions and around 25 to 30 SHGs have arrived at the fair displaying speciality of their region. Bhopal Haat always brings something new for the citizens and this time the artisans from Rajasthan, Jaipur, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat embellished the fair with colours of their region. The colourful duppatas, dress materials, rugs, carpets and other accessories are also displayed at the fair that could enthrall the visitors.
The fair also shares a major collection of Maheshwari and Chanderi designed dress materials. The wonderful collection of dress materials in Maheshwari and Chanderi cotton, Kosa Silk are designed in different patterns and prints. Printed materials beautifully embellished with Batik Print, Dabu Print, Hand-Block Print, Bagh Print are the major spheres of attraction at the fair. But, the fair is not receiving a positive response from the customers this season.