Jharkhand artisans sell tribal jewellery, silk cloth at CII fair

Artisans from Jharkhand have made a first-time appearance at the States of India pavilion at the ongoing CII Chandigarh Fair this year. Silk cloth pieces dominate the forty stalls put up by the contingent. Tribal jewellery, aromatic soaps and shampoos, wooden artistic flower vases and decoration pieces of cement and marble are being sold.

Here at the Parade Ground, chairman of Jharkhand State Khadi Board, Jainandu, said, "Our organic tassar silk products are even being exported outside India as well. We are supporting our tribal and rural artisans by providing them with a stipend of Rs 1,500 per month, besides helping them get a bank loan for pursuing their livelihood of traditional crafts and handicrafts".

Jharkhand tribal jewellery including necklaces, rings, bangles, bracelets, earrings, 'Kadhas' are a real hit at the CII fair. "Their specialty is that they are made of German Silver and do not lose their shine. They are all hand-made and range from Rs 150 to Rs 500," says Parvati, a jewellery exhibitor.

Man Chand Jhabarmal is an exhibitor who has showcased flower vases, pots, flower stands, wind chimes and decoration pieces. "Their specialty is that they are made of Terracotta but since we use wet colour and then heat the items at extremely high temperatures, the finished piece has a wooden look. It is hard to make out the difference but they are light weight," said Jhabarmal.

He further says that he has made sales worth Rs 30,000 in the fair so far.

Handwoven and hand-printed, one saree takes around two days for the weavers to complete. "Our silk is of a superior quality and we have hand-printed sarees and stoles. These are have kantha stitch, madhubani print, baluchari print, marwari print starting from Rs 2,500 to 10,000," said Sarabjit Singh, an exhibitor.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Life of Pi singer Bombay Jayashri to perform in Chandigarh

Theories of Sino-India war far-fetched, says ex-Army chief

HC rejects Punjab plea on Bhattal’s govt house

Civic body moots Rs 616-cr budget, discussion today