Featuring a wide range of handloom products, the exhibition showcased a variety of designs blended in different kinds of colours.

Sarvani Sweets launched its novel initiative called craft series, which features handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh on each sweet box with a capacity to hold 500 grams along with a brief write-up about the craft on display at Vasantham

The two-day annual handicraft and handloom exhibition titled “Vasantham” organized by the Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh (CCAP) got off to a good start here on Thursday at Green Park hotel. Mrs. Hema Gouri, wife of the Industry Minister, and his mother Gudivada Nagamani graced the occasion. 

45 new stalls out of 60 brought a wide range of handlooms, handicrafts, tribal jewellery, and home decors from across the country in one place to showcase their exquisite craftsmanship and to sell their items directly to the customers. 

Ammaji Rayudu, Chairperson of the council said CCAP has been providing a platform for artisans and weavers across the country and this will be an opportunity to visitors to go through the latest creations by the craftsmen. Adding value and respect to the crafts tradition, CCAP felicitated awarding winning craftsman from Etikoppaka village CV Raju, for reviving the dying art of making sustainable and children-friendly wooden toys.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, the prominent sweet store of Vizag, Sarvani Sweets launched its novel initiative called craft series, which features handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh on each sweet box with a capacity to hold 500 grams along with a brief write-up about the craft.

NSR Prabhakar Varma, Director of Sarvani Sweets, says our state is a treasure trove of a fascinating range of art forms and traditional crafts, each unique in style, theme, concept, form, and expression. By associating with the crafts council of Andhra Pradesh, we came forward with the craft series to promote and to keep alive the artisans and weavers' indomitable spirit”. 

Dr. Renuka Rani, Joint Secretary of CCAP said “this exhibition is not only about how handmade products find relevance in the modern context but about the inventiveness and ingenuity of the designers.”

Shoppers are also spoilt for choice with a large variety of chikankari garments embroidered with the finesse and finery, bright and classy double border Mangalagiri sarees & Ajrak block printed shawls in deep indigo and rich crimson of Sindh region. Also captivating are woven Jamdhani sarees combining intricacy of design with vibrant colours, Chanderi sarees which are elegant drape perfect and delightful Lambani tribal jewellery.

Organizers said that “from the affordable to the exquisite, buyers at this year’s Vasantham can shop from Rs. 500 onwards. From beautiful Lambani tribal jewelry to bead purses and bags, you can also check out fabric jewellery and cruelty-free leather (vegan) bags and accessories”

Visitors to the expo say that the collection at the fair is quite varied. “The design of the saris is quite nice. The good thing is that the style and the assortment of colours will cater to the choices of all kinds of people,” said Chandana, a 32-year-old homemaker. 

“I tried to merge the intricate Japanese method (Shibori) method with our very own Rajasthani Bandhani, so that, while the technique remains traditionally Japanese, the hues and textures are a riot of Indian colours, tailored to the desi taste. I use only etically sourced natural handloom fabrics like cotton, tussar, silk, chanderi, linen, and even organic cotton said Anindita Sarkar Sengupta, Designer & Proprietor from Kolkata

A large number of home furnishing items such as bedcovers, curtains, and carpets are also obtainable in a variety of colours and in intricate designs. An exhibitor at the venue said that Andhra Pradesh has been able to keep its invincible spirit alive and is yet another place to offer some exotic and alluring handicraft designs to its visitors.

Visitors at the exhibition said “It is great that a variety of good quality products are available at one place for the public who otherwise have to go to several shops to get them. Buying products at such exhibitions would be of great help for the artisans who came from different States 

Home décor enthusiasts can get their hands on exquisite Jaipur blue pottery, Pichwai paintings, Moonj and water reed crafts and brass & Blackstone cookware. Kilm weaving home furnishings, handcrafted & hand-painted stationery, and bed and table linen, are other attractions at this handloom and handicraft exhibition in Visakhapatnam.