KOCHI: The Kerala Bamboo Fest, 2011, currently on in Kochi at The Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium has brought together a large number of artisans and entrepreneurs from Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Assam and other states. From arty jewellery in wood and bamboo to baskets, bags, wall-hangings, lamp-shades, dry flowers to a variety of cane furniture, the fest is a lively, colourful mix of culture and craft.Bamboo that has more than130 species spread across India is one of Kerala’s major forest produce, along with timber, reeds and firewood massively found in districts like Waynad and Idukki Naturally, much of this is made use of for household purposes and innovative crafts. All this is wonderfully displayed at the fest with over 40 stalls.Coloured Christmas stars made out of bamboo caught our eye among the range of exhibits. “We get bamboo from the Bamboo Corporation, Angamali for making these products. The inner portion of the bamboo stem called Aali is teared into different sizes and dipped in colours as required. They are dried and weaved. The sides of these stars are stitched with coloured cloth for the weave to stay intact,” says Vijayan K A, Salesman of CARD. They have a unit at Angamali and the products are made depending on the orders placed. The fest is especially a visual treat for women who like to add an ethnic tough to their personal wear and home décor. There are stalls which have painted bamboo jewellery, and handbags in attractive mix n match colours with intricate work on them. For those with gardens, there are unique hanging bamboo plant holders ranging from `150-300. Rajiv V K, owner of ‘Windcraft’ sells ‘tuned wind chimes’ .Costing anywhere between `2000- 4500, he explains the process of making them. “I choose bamboo for wind chimes from the Neriamangalam forests. Ripened dried bamboos are taken from these forests after checking the possibility of getting cracked later. The bamboo is kept in room temperature for two days and smoked for two weeks. Bamboo of same thickness has to be used in a wind chime as that technically determines the tune. A tuned wind chime works best at room temperature,” says Rajiv, who has been in this business for the past eight years. ‘Uravu’ that won the Best Stall Award at India International Trade Fair, New Delhi, is also part of the fest with its eco friendly products. C D Suneesh, Trust Member of Uravu says, “Bamboo is the green gold of this century and we want to promote it at this bamboo fest”. The products have been made by the Kalpetta Bamboo Cluster, a group of artisans and self help groups striving to establish a market for bamboo products. C Surendra Nath, President of Uravu says, “Bamboo enriches the environment. Its judicious utilisation sustains rural livelihoods.” There's also a bamboo rice pudding stall. Its harvest is done once in 40 years, which is what makes it so special. Organised by the Kerala State Bamboo Mission and Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion,an initiative by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Govt of Kerala, the fest goes on till December 11.
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