Hyderabad is set to witness a unique cultural and artistic showcase as Swayambhar Naari, a voluntary group from Shantiniketan, West Bengal, presents a 7-day handicrafts exhibition at YMCA, Narayanguda, from August 23 to 29. This exhibition aims to provide much-needed marketing support to artisans who lack the resources to promote their handcrafted products.
The exhibition will feature an array of traditional handicrafts, with a special focus on reviving ancient weaving techniques and handloom products. Attendees can expect to see a rich display of Jamdani tribal weaving, metallic tissue silk, bamboo Jamdani, and other premium handloom items. The collection will include Silk, Tassar, and Cotton sarees, as well as exclusive Kantha sarees, grass mats, jewelry, batik bed sheets, leather goods, and seashell products.
Swayambhar Naari, an organization committed to the empowerment of craftspersons, was formed in Shantiniketan to provide marketing facilities to artisans. With over 1,000 members today, the organization runs craft schools in Shantiniketan and offers design advice to artisans. Their activities are supported by the Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
One of the exhibition's highlights will be sarees made from bamboo, showcasing how this versatile material, traditionally used for baskets and furniture, is now being transformed into beautiful garments and even bulletproof jackets. Additionally, visitors can look forward to age-old tea kettles painted in vibrant colors, hand-painted batik paintings using sustainable dyes, and mats crafted from golden grass.
Among the unique handicrafts on display will be batik hand-painted umbrellas, Patachitra hand-painted sarees, dress materials, tea coasters, trays, and even maps of India intricately woven from grass. The exhibition will also feature formal office and laptop bags made of grass, offering a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern utility.
Adding to the allure of the event, artisans will perform live demonstrations of Bhatik and Patachitra painting on umbrellas, clothing, and other items, giving visitors an opportunity to witness these age-old crafts in action.
Sudeshna Paul, a team member of Swayambhar Naari, emphasized the uniqueness of the products on display, noting that they are not only affordable but also have the potential to become cherished lifetime possessions for art and craft enthusiasts.
This exhibition is more than just a market; it is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Shantiniketan and an opportunity for Hyderabad's art lovers to acquire one-of-a-kind handcrafted items while supporting the artisans who create them.
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