Hyderabad: Price hikes fail to stop, footfalls at crafts mela

Hyderabad: The All-India Crafts Mela at Shilparamam has seen a 10 per cent rise in footfall in its silver jubilee year, in comparison to last year. The hike in the ticket price to Rs 60 has not mattered.

Though the Metro Rail has eased the commute to the crafts village, organisers say that the collections in the almost 400 stalls are what are pulling in the additional crowds.

An annual visitor, Ms Susheela Rani from Begumpet, said, “I make it a point to visit this fest every year as I get many varieties from different states at one place and I can buy original products directly from the artisans. This time my commute got easier with the metro as well.”

Pashmina shawls from Kashmir, jute bags from Kolkata, glass lanterns from Uttar Pradesh, wood work from Chittoor, Venkatagiri sarees with traditional designs by award winners have remained the centre of attraction, said Shilparamam general manager Kishan Das. He added that they have made elaborate arrangements for the visitors, including clean toilets and medical facilities.

Though some of the stalls were having brisk sales, Telangana’s native gongadi woollen rugs lay unnoticed. Narsimhulu S., 75, who has been weaving gongallu for about half a century, said he has sold few pieces in the last 13 days. He said only foreigners and elderly buyers who are nostalgic about the feel of the fabric were buying it.

“It takes at least one week for us to make one gongadi, which is completely hand-made. We came with a hope that our work would be acknowledged at least in these kinds of platforms, but we are not getting a good response from people," he said. The gongadi gives protection even from extreme cold, he said.

There are more than 400 stalls set up from various states representing the local specials. The national jute board, handlooms and handicrafts departments have also send in artisans.

To mark the 25th anniversary, the crafts festival is staging cultural activities for more than a month, with over 1,000 artists performing.

The Shilparamam management is planning to host a crafts festival in the Mini Shilparamam at Uppal in February or March. It has 24 stalls. An additional 20 stalls would be set up for the Sankranti Sambaralu from January 11 to 19.