Poila Baishakh mode kicks in with Craft Council of India’s textile collections

With a wide range of ethnic collections, from colourful sarees to kurtis and more, the fair is a good opportunity for stocking up your festive collection.

In fact those who swear by their Daniakhali or Begumpuris will be spoiled for choice with the sarees' attractive borders, colours and textures.

Don't miss the Maheswari cotton, Chettinads from Chennai, shibori, and kurta pieces from Mura.

Also on offer are tangails, jamdanis and matkas from Fulia and Burdwan, gadwalls in both silk and cottons  , woven tussar from Purulia, etc

Apart from this, there are some exclusive copper and silver jewelry.

Kasturi Gupta Menon, President, Crafts Council of India, said “Our collections are very unique and handloom lovers eagerly wait for the spring collections."

“This year we have a very exciting and large range of yardage from the south, Telegana and Rajasthan within a very affordable price range," she said. "Special focus  this year are the beautiful range of Kalamakaris from Kalahasti with smart stoles, wraps, scarves, sarees and blouse pieces. All the kalamakaris are real hand painted with real natural dyes. We also have a huge range of printed mulmuls. As far as Bengal is concerned stripes and checks have made a very interesting comeback that could add a fresh look to any wardrobe.”

When asked about the pricing, she said, “Once there was a time when this place was considered to be for the elite, but in reality it is not so. Our collection starts from as low as rupees 400 or 500."

The Spring collection exhibition is open from 10am to 7pm everyday until March 24.

The Crafts Council of India, founded in 1964, focuses on creating awareness of the economic, social, and cultural environmental importance of artisans and their crafts in India.

(Reporting by Sourajit Choudhury)