Around 80 Artistes From 17 States Showcase Work At ‘Craftroots’

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Around 80 artisans from 17 states across the country have showcased their unique handloom and handicraft works at Bhopal Haat. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel inaugurated the five-day exhibition ‘Craftroots’ on Thursday.

Prabir Chitrakar of Medinipur district (WB), belongs to the seventh generation of his family of Chitrakars has displayed Bengal Pattachitras - the traditional cloth paintings. Most of the paintings are based on mythological tales from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

The costliest one is titled ‘Chandi Mangal’ which depicts Goddess Durga slaying the demon king Bhainsapur. “It symbolises Nari Shakti and is priced at ₹1.5 lakh. It took me five months to make it using handmade colours,” said the artist.

Khusbhoo Pradhan and Akshay Vyas from Gujarat have brought ‘Shata Dhauta Ghrita’ - a face cream which, they said is made from the ghee of Gir - a cow breed of Gujarat.  They claim that it is based on a 5,000-year-old formula from the Charak Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text.

“The ghee is refined 100 times accompanied by the recitation of Vedic mantras. It restores natural shine in just three days. It is also anti-ageing and anti-wrinkles and can treat dark circles, pigmentation and suntan,” they claimed.

Kurtis and blouses made of Mashroo, a fabric that has the look of silk and feel of cotton are also available at one of the Craftroots Stalls. Mashroo is a handwoven textile that is produced only in Patan in Gujarat. “It is comfortable in hot, cold and humid climates,” an artisan Vaishali said.

‘Empowering artisans, promoting self-reliance’

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh government is fully committed to realising the vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This concept plays a significant role in preserving India’s traditional handicrafts, folk arts, and cultural heritage, said Yadav, adding that it empowers artisans by promoting self-reliance through recognition of local products.

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