Indian Tussar and Muga sarees which once has the royal statue will be displayed at the much awaited annual Gujarat Handicrafts exhibition cum sale to be concluded at Ernakulam Women’s Association Hall at Kochi on May 14.

Organised by concerned department, the exhibition will have an extensive range of handicrafts and handprinted items from nine states of the country at a government rebate of 20 per cent on handlooms and 10 per cent on handicrafts.

The expo opens up a treasure trove of white metal ornaments along with chains, studs and pendants crafted out of Jaipur’s precious and semi-precious stones. It displays Gujarati bangles, Australian diamonds, necklaces made of authentic Rajasthan diamonds and 22 cent gold covering ornaments made of coral, emerald and other stones.

The Gujarathi handloom section features block, bhandini, brush, batik, kutch, vegetable print, printed or mirror worked cotton and silk sarees. Various types of churidars include tie-dye salwar sets with shawls and ready to wear dresses like ladies tops, Jaipurian chaniya cholis, lehengas, ghagra cholis, kaftans, kurtas and Lucknow dresses etc. Ethnic sarees and kurthas of poolkari designs, chikan work, screen print are the other main attractions at the event. Applique and embroidery worked bed spreads, cushion covers, designer bed sheets and decorative mats with lace works are also available.

The exhibition is aimed at improving the livelihood of craftsmen and handloom weavers avoiding the middlemen system.

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