A treat for handloom aficionados

Pochampally IKAT Art Mela 2014, a 9-day exhibition of hand woven, eco friendly handloom products began at YMCA Narayanaguda. Tollywood actress Geethanjali and Padmashri awardee Gajam Anjaiah inaugurated the mela. Speaking at the inauguration, Geethanjali said, “It’s glad to see various apparel, particularly designer fabrics, silk and cotton sarees, being showcased for the fashion connoisseurs.

Platforms such as this are required to reach out to women looking for well-designed hand woven cotton, silk wear and exclusive home textile.” Explaining the significance of the mela, director of Pochampally Handloom Park Lava Kumar Bharata said, “Handlooms are part of the age old Indian tradition and a critical element of our culture and rich artistry. By promoting handlooms, we support the artisans and local community who have been passing on their skills to coming generations.”

This version of the mela will include handloom products like handmade bed and home linen, dress materials, silk and cotton sarees in exquisite designs and contemporary colours by famous designers, skillfully created by world famous weavers of Pochampally. The mela will also have a range of stoles, scraves in silk and cotton, duppatas, table mats, covers, cotton shirts and kurtis, handbags.

“Promoting creativity and originality, each design is a result of individual artisan’s creativity influenced by the local traditions and cultures,” said Krishna, ex chairman, Pochampally Handloom Park. The expo will be on till December 30.