Reflecting India’s rich art and craft

In addition to AP handicrafts, Moradabad brass, Saharanpur wood carvings, Lucknow chikan works from UP, rosewood carvings, agarbathies and perfumes from Karnataka, silk saris and embroidery wear from Jammu and Kashmir, Bengal saris and many other crafts and handlooms from across India are available at Lepakshi Exhibition

Lata Jain

Artisans behind our handcrafted products are often neglected but Lepakshi is doing a wonderful job of bringing the artists closer to the buyer. They have an entire range of home decor, jewellery and gifting options. Colourful paintings, softwood toys, Kalamkari paintings, ‘pattu’ saris with latest designs, artificial jewellery and metal castings have been displayed in the Lepakshi Exhibition-cum-sale at Musheerabad. 70 stalls with majority of them from Andhra Pradesh such as Etikoppaka toys from Vizag district, leather puppets of Anantapur, crochet lace from Narsapur, pearls, metal castings, Banjara hand embroidery and carpets from Hyderabad, Kalamkari, Mangalagiri, Venkatagiri, Gadwal, Narayanapet, Siddipet saris and Chirala fabrics are a part of the exhibition.

Moradabad brass, Saharanpur wood carvings, Lucknow chikan works from UP, rosewood carvings, agarbathies and perfumes from Karnataka, silk saris and embroidery wear from Jammu and Kashmir, Bengal saris, jute bags and clay dolls from West Bengal, Madurai cotton saris, Rajasthani dress material, and bed sheets from Haryana and Delhi are available. Metal craft formed the main stay of this fair. Exhibitors from Moradabad of Uttar Pradesh proudly displayed their wares. One of the artisans, Shrai explained, “Moradabad is known as the ‘city of brass’ or ‘pital nagri’. The easy availability of other metals like iron and aluminum too has led to the rise of a vibrant metal craft industry here.” Shrai himself had exquisite metal furniture, mirror frames, candle tapers, beverage buckets, lanterns, storage boxes and many decorative items on show.

Kalamkari with its lucid and colorful depiction of the epics and landscapes; the lively and lovely kondapalli toys carved out of soft-wood; Nirmal paintings with their golden hues and the Bidricraft with silvery contours, have become the cynosure of not only connoisseurs, but also interior designers. The Pembarthi sheet metal art acquired strikingly beautiful secular overtones. During the period of Nizams, the craftsmen switched to making articles for home decoration-Pandans Ithar pots (scent containers) and more. Pembarthi village in Warangal District of Andhra Pradesh witnessed its glory during the reign of the Kakatiyas.

Wooden handicrafts, another unique type of crafts are also very much liked by people as these items offer an outstanding way to adorn homes and offices. These pieces are the most amazing and desirable items on sale. The wooden handmade items such as idols of God & Goddesses are ideal for gifting. They range from Rs 50 to Rs 2 lakh. Metal handicrafts are commonly known for the durability and elegance they offer. Metal crafts include wall hangings, pitchers, candle holders, sculptures etc.
For the college goers, a variety of soft cotton kurtas and kurtis from Jaipur are a real catch The prices range from Rs 250 to Rs 2000. They are elegant and suit all occasions.

There are special handmade bags on display particularly for part wear. There is a lot of variety of embroidered evening clutches, these gorgeous clutches are made from rich fabrics. Crochet is the art of creating fabric by pulling loops of yarn or thread through other loops with the aid of a crochet hook. There is a huge discount being offered on most products inside the stores. But the products outside are a little expensive. When questioned the shopkeepers who are exhibiting their products since years at Lepakshi festival fairs, wore a disappointed look. They said, “Due to the recent rains, we were not given proper facilities and 25% of our income goes to rent. We come from other cities to display our wares, and with the rising costs, it is natural we have to increase the price of our wares so as to meet the expenses. In the end, it is the customer who has to bear the final cost.”