The pujo flavour

Delhi may not be the heart of the Durga Puja Festival but the celebrations are not far behind! Following the success in the inaugural year, the 2nd Edition of the ‘Pre-Puja Promotional Sale and Exhibition of Bengal Handloom and Handicrafts’ – bringing together the best of the creations of master craftsmen and weavers of rural areas of the State – was opened in the national capital today.

Around 25 artisans from various districts of West Bengal, including Bankura, Bardhaman, Nadia, Kolkata, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas and Birbhum, will take part in the event, which is aimed at promoting the rich and glorious tradition of Bengal handicrafts and handloom and also ensuring commercial benefits to the weavers.  

The fair was inaugurated by Nitish Sengupta, Chairperson of the Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises in the gracious presence of Bhaskar Khulbe, Principal Resident Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal and Archana Datta, Director General, All India Radio, News Services Division, at Dilli Haat, INA.

The exhibition, being organised by the Government of West Bengal with support from Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, follows a string of events held as part of the grand Chalo Chalen Bengal campaign, an initiative for promoting West Bengal as an attractive tourism destination, especially during the upcoming Durga Puja carnival.

The exhibition offers a range of products, including diversified jute items, terracotta costume jewellery, Tangail and Jamdanee Sarees. Embossed leather goods from Shantiniktan, Nakshi Kantha, Dhaniakhali, Shantipuri and Baluchari Sarees, all of which have received Geographical Indication (GI) registration and being especially promoted by Government of West Bengal, will also be available. 

Special soirées are being organised with Chhau and Raibenshe folk forms and colourful performances bringing out the rhythm and tunes of Bengal. In keeping with the pre-Puja festive spirit, delectable Bengali street food will be available at the venue.