Mysore/Mysuru: The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, a Nodal Agency for preservation, promotion and protection of Indian handicrafts is implementing various schemes for the promotion and development of handicrafts and welfare of the crafts persons. It holds around 300 mega marketing events across the country to provide direct marketing avenues to the handicrafts artisans. 

As part of this, Gandhi Shilp Bazaar, a handicrafts expo-cum-sale, being held at JSS Mysore Urban Haat, in association with JSS Mahavidyapeetha, since Jan. 31 will conclude on Feb. 9. 

Such expos act as a direct marketing linkage between the artisans and the art-loving citizens. 

About 70 crafts persons including National awardees, State awardees selected through the Field Offices of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) from various States are participating in this expo with their exquisite craft creations being showcased to the art connoisseurs of city.

Wood carvings, stone carvings, bronze icons, wood inlay items, terracotta, papier machie, carpets, durries, imitation jewellery, wooden lacquerware, pearl jewellery, batik, leather craft, Kalamkari painting, Tanjore and Mysore paintings from Southern States;  Artistic leather chappals of Maharashtra; Stuffed toys, Kutch embroidery, dhokra casting from Chattisgarh; Chanderi sarees, Patola sarees, Patta Chitra, silver filigree from Odisha; Chittal patti, cane and bamboo, dry flower items from North Eastern States, Chikan embroidery, Cut glass jewellery, Carpets, Art metal works from Uttar Pradesh, stone artware, printed textiles, Madhubani paintings of Bihar, Phulkari from Punjab, leather items, lac bangles, etc. are on display and sale at the expo giving Mysureans a sample of the rich cultural diversity in India.

The exhibition is open to public till Feb. 9 from 10.30 am to 9 pm. Entry is free.