BHOPAL: The buzz is back at Gauhar Mahal on VIP Road after the almost three-month-long corona curfew in the city. An exhibition-cum-sale, ëBlock Print Utsaví, organised by the Mrignayani Emporium on the premises of Gauhar Mahal, is attracting a lot of customers.
The festival, which began on June 27, is the first exhibition organised by the MP Handlooms and Handicrafts Development Corporation after the second lockdown. Freedom from the confines of home and the proximity of Eid-ul-Adha has added to the enthusiasm of the visitors.
The exhibition showcases block-printed Chanderi, Maheshwari and cotton saris, bedcovers, suits and dress material. According to Arvind Sharma, manager of the emporium, around 50 customers are turning up at the event every day and the daily sales are in the range of Rs 15,000-25,000. The exhibition, which will continue till July 10, has, so far, garnered cumulative sales of upwards of Rs 2 lakh. It is open to the public from 11 am to 8 pm.
Saris from Neemuch and bedcovers from Ujjain are attracting customers. Suits are available at a reasonable price range and the saris and bedsheets too. Dress material and readymade palazzos are also on sale.
Sharma said that their entire stock had been made using only organic colours. ìAn immunity-boosting mixture of baheda, harr, pomegranate peels and alum is mixed with the colours. That not only ensures that the fabric doesnít cause any skin problems, but also serves to boost the immunity of the wearers,î he said.† Genda phool and laharia are among the designs embossed on Maheshwari, Chanderi and cotton fabrics. The fabrics are also available in Batik print.
Besides, jute bags printed with rock paintings of Bhimbetka are available. The customers are also taking an interest in cases made of jute for carrying water bottles to office.
Sharma said that, if all goes well, they will be organising Sawan Mela and Deepotsava Mela at the Gauhar Mahal. ìOur corporation will be seeking permission from the government and the local administration and, once it comes through, weíll start preparing for mega-events,î he said.
Live demonstration
A two-hour live demonstration of marble block printing technique by craftsman Nirmal Kumar from 5 pm to 7 pm every day is an added attraction of the event