Khadi Mela inaugurated at Gopal Maidan, new products attract buyers
Jamshedpur : The eight-long National Khadi Mela that started at Gopal Maidan on Sunday is getting an overwhelming response in the city. MP Bidhyut Baran Mahto inaugurated the mela, which is being organised by Jharkhand State Khadi Board from September 17 to 24.
The exhibition of handicrafts, khadi clothes, and other products manufactured by village artisans with the initiatives from the board is getting an overwhelming response in the city. A visit to the exhibition in Gopal Maidan revealed that the entrepreneurs, who had come from different parts of the country, were more than happy by the public response.
Addressing the gathering Sanjay Seth, chairman, Jharkhand State Khadi Board said: “We are confident that people in the city would like the fair. The fair would promote artisans of the state and the country. In order to promote khadi it is important that school students as well as staff of hospitals must wear khadi.�
Suresh Kumar, a seller of traditional sarees said �The customers have no doubt made heavy purchases during the first two days. In fact, I have seen better sales here compared to other parts of the State.� Varieties of khadi silk and cotton garments are being exhibited in 40 stalls at the exhibition. The rise in demand in khadi is due to new generation comfort and durability.
The exhibition has khadi silk designer shirts in different colours and dupatta-cum-shawl in both silk and cotton khadi. The prices range from Rs 300 to Rs 500. The young generation is flocking the fair to catch up with designer shirts, salwar suits, shawls, pyjama kurtas with intricate patterns and designs.
�We have made efforts in the recent past to improve the quality of products keeping in mind the preference of the urban customers. There are a number of stalls selling furniture, handicrafts and carpets,� said a member of the organising committee.
Kulwant Singh Bunty, member of Khadi Board said that the best part of the fair was that artisans were also being motivated and encouraged to modernize the khadi industry in tune with the changing modern times, without deviating from the Gandhian ideology and concept.
�We are very happy with the response. Apart from exhibition of products we are organising several cultural events in the evening to spread the message of Indian art forms,� said Singh.
More than 300 stalls will be put in which buyers can look forward for items like khadi, wood crafts, terracotta, stone crafts, handlooms, jewellery, bamboo craft, metal craft, jute and tribal paintings among other items which will be on display for sale. The products will be available at discount of 25 to 30 per cent.