Look out for all things handmade at the first edition of The Souq at Kalakshetra Foundation

The Kalakshetra Foundation is hosting the first edition of The Souq – home to a variety of handicrafts and handloom products from across India
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Anchor_(2)

The Kalakshetra Foundation is known to host and support flea markets frequently. Starting this weekend, the ground is set to be home to the first edition of The Souq by Grand Flea Market. Organised by Aftab Majeed, the event will provide a platform to artisanal handicrafts and handloom products from across India.

Aftab talks about this exhibition as he explains the distinctive nature of this market, “We have stalls from all over India selling products unique to every state — like the Assam sari, Rajasthan’s handicraft collection, Andhra Pradesh’s wooden works and more. Most states have something different to offer.” Also being offered are some gorgeous Arni silk saris, phulkari kurtis, and pattachitra paintings.

Be on the lookout for 10 stalls from Chennai selling jewellery, kids wear and saris; if you’re looking for some home-grown items. This is part of the display that is hosting over 100 artisans selling a range of products like clothing, crockery, art, and other home essentials and accessories. The exhibition promises to sell products directly to the customers, enabling the weavers and artisans to earn more on their ware, since the middlemen are eliminated.

Speaking to one of the pop-up merchants, Usha Ben from Gujarat, explains why her bandhini saris are unique. “Gujarat’s bandhani products have a unique, brighter shade of red and maroon in comparison to other states. This happens because we get vastly different hue owing to the difference in water quality,” she says.

Another vendor, GK Ram, who sells cane products and hails from Assam explains that his handicrafts are “natural, waterproof, and made by hand” by craftspeople in the North-Eastern region. Offering perfect alternative to plastic bags, he sells baskets and bags made of cane, besides mats also.

From August  2 to 11. At the Kalakshetra Foundation. From 10.30 am to 8 pm.
 

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