The five-day Crafts Bazaar – 2016 began here today, with special focus on traditional Indian paintings.

Art lovers have a wide range to choose from the 100 plus stalls. Phad, Pichwai, Pattachitra, Madhubani, Kawad, Temple Mural, paintings with semi precious stones, Kalamkari, Madhubani, miniature works, Mysore Tribal painting and Guruvayur Mural paintings to name a few. The president of local chapter of Crafts Council of Tamil Nadu (CCTN), Radha Prasad, said the Council, through Crafts Bazaar, provides a platform to the craftsmen to exhibit and sell their wares. “It is to showcase their talent and give a free platform to exhibit their craft and wares to a large number of people,” she said.

Embroidery works including Phulkari, Chikankari, Applique work, Kasauti, Kantha, hand work such as wooden combs, stone pottery, brass metal craft, reed baskets, palm leaf baskets, copper bells, cane and bamboo artifacts, lamp shades, grass mats, carpets, Punjabi jutti, jute footwear, sandals made from camel skin, bags, ceramics and pottery, kalchatti, stoneware, terracotta jugs are on display.

Other crafts include Sanjhi, dokra, dry flowers, leather, copper, horn and shell craft, lacquer, terracotta jewels, beads, metal, oxidized and silver filigree, magnets and ceramic artifacts, natural fibre mats, rugs and dhurries, Stalls exclusively for women that sell saris, dress materials and bags are also part of the bazaar, Radha added.