THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been a while and the city’s residents had started to miss making their way through the meandering alleys of exhibition pavilions, popping fried groundnuts and popcorns. Heralding the season of fairs in the offing, the Kerala Artisans’ Development Corporation has put up its tent on the Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds from July 1. The crowds are just beginning to trickle in and the artisans are eagerly awaiting brisk sales to wipe off that lingering exhaustion of preparation and travel. Past a flowery Manipuri welcome outside the hall, offered with floral decorations made from plantain fibre, coconut husk and other natural products, you are greeted inside by the ornately-done figurines of the native Rajasthani men and women, dressed in colourful attires. Large ornamental pots in brass with gold embellishments stand sentry to the Rajas and Ranis in traditional Rajasthani outfits. Precious and semi-precious stones and pearls, sold loose or stringed into exquisite neck and ear pieces on order, can make a queen of any woman. Chunky pendants in silver and white metal with one large piece of stone in the centre, chains and necklaces, studs to elaborate ear drops and other accessories enrich the jewellery collection. Clothes have come in from Gujarat, Orissa, Haryana, Rajasthan and most other parts of India. Bandini saris in silk are sure to blow away the hearts of the city’s damsels. They have come in colours that tug at your heart, combinations that would have you head over heels in love with each piece. Magenta and mustard, green and coffee brown, golden yellow and blue - you won’t be disappointed rummaging through them. Short and long kurtas for men and women, khadi shirts and kurtas, traditional Rajasthani clothes for children, apart from regular kurtas and wraparounds, all start from a meagre Rs 100 or thereabouts. Those interested in home decor can shop for cushion, sofa, table and teapoy covers and full room sets in jute silk, jute cotton and fur. There are also the all-time favourite crotchet covers and sofa backs in white, off-white and other pastel shades. In between, one can stop to pick up kitchen gadgets such as chappathi-maker, induction cooker and snack-maker and other knick-knacks for your home. Much stock is yet to arrive and the shopaholics have enough time to make a couple of trips till the exhibition closes on July 25.
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