The northeast has a rich and varied handicraft tradition. Recently, craftsmen from the region received much appreciation for their products in Shimla, where they participated in a trade expo.
The ten-day trade exhibition offered the locals an opportunity to get acquainted with the indigenous handicrafts of the northeastern states.
The visitors were spoilt for choice at stalls which offered different handicrafts including hand-made bamboo and cane products, decorative items, muga silk products and traditional attires.
"I am feeling very happy after coming here. There are very good handicraft items from the Northeast, that too at economical rates. Inspite of the effort and detailing that is visible in the products, the price is quite reasonable. After coming here, I felt as if I was in some northeastern state," said Brijesh Sharma, a visitor.
For the rural craftsmen, the expo was an opportunity to showcase their work at the national level.
"The objective is to promote the marketing avenues of the poor artisans and weavers of India's northeastern region, especially for those who are involved in this handicrafts sector. Our motive is to promote their products all over India and abroad also so that they can get a platform to sell their products and get good exposure," said B. C. Kalita, senior marketing manager, Northeast Handicraft and Handloom Development Corporation
Such events give the artisans a chance to do good business and provide them exposure to a bigger market.