North East craft persons showcase their work at IITF 2010

NEW DELHI - Craftsperson and entrepreneurs from eight northeastern states participated in the recently held India International Trade Fair 2010, which provided them a big platform to showcase their products and skills.

Over 300 craftsperson and entrepreneurs took part in the fortnight-long fair.

Each state was given a dedicated pavilion at the fair venue, and projected different themes.

This year, Manipur came up with the theme of clean energy and showcased various products in line with that theme.

Handlooms, artificial jewellery, decorative items, paintings, cultural artifacts and indigenous Manipuri food items were put on display in the stall.

Florence, a young entrepreneur, from Senapati district in Manipur, showcased her handicrafts in Delhi for the first time.

“There is a huge difference. Market wise Manipur is lagging far behind Delhi and people they look like they are not just interested. But out here it is quite good and things are different and there are different kinds of buyers,” said Florence.

“We are doing well and this time the theme of Manipur pavilion is clean and energy efficiency products,” said Apam Ragui, the Director of the Manipur pavilion.

Bamboo and cane works were promoted at the Mizoram pavilion.

At some of the stalls the exhibitors dressed in traditional attires promoted the culture of the state.

Promotion of traditional handlooms was this year’s theme for the Nagaland pavilion.

Many National award-winning artisans from Nagaland participated in the fair and showcased handlooms products with Naga tribal designs.

Other than handloom, many innovative products like designer lampshades and sofa sets made from horns of bullocks were showcased.

“This time we are promoting the handloom and handicraft items and enhance the creativity of the artisans,” said Moasashi, the director of the Nagaland pavilion.

“Customers have given a good response to my products. They say that they have never seen such kind of products in Delhi and find it different from all others,” said Lhoto, an artisan from Nagaland.

The fair attracted many visitors, who got a chance to sample products from the northeast under one roof. We have never been to northeast India, but the products that are displayed here showcase their culture and skills. And it is really a good experience for us,” said H.S. Talwar, a visitor. (ANI)