The West Bengal State Handicraft Expo held here attracted a steady stream of visitors who were engrossed by the the vast variety of exquisite, traditional artifacts manufactured by more than 400 artisans from across West Bengal.
The month-long exhibition that started on 8 December has been organised by the state government and aims at providing a platform to small-scale artisans where they can showcase their products, and provide a boost to their business that is not exposed to bigger markets.
Handicrafts, textiles and decorative artifacts remain the highlight of the ongoing fair as visitors throng to the apparels and showpieces stalls.
A visitor, Sumanata Roy, said on Sunday that it was a delight to visit the fair and stressed on the need for more such fairs to be held on a regular basis.
"I have been going around the fair and last time the collection included handicraft showpieces, textiles and decorative items. The handiworks of West Bengal artisans are very beautiful and every year these artisans bring their collection to this stadium and present it to the visitors. The more we see the items, the more we feel like buying more and more. We keep buying till the pocket is empty. All these artistic works and collections bring so much joy to the heart," said Sumanta Roy.
The artisans, participating in the fair, were proud to display their products. "We have brought these dolls, a speciality of Krishnanagar, to the fair. We have also brought handicraft items as well," said an artisan from Nadia district, Apurba Mondal.
A wide array of ethnic products including hand embroidered products, Tibetan art products, wooden items and a wide array clay and mud items were displayed at various stalls.
The fair offers a unique opportunity to the people of the state to have direct interaction with the artisans and weavers from all over the country and purchase goods without any middlemen.
The fair will continue till January 8.
