Mysuru: For the first time, nearly 100 artisans who came from across the country to take part in the Dasara fest ‘Gandhi Shilp Bazaar’ organized by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, New Delhi in association with Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited Bengaluru at JSS Urban Haat.

Speaking before inaugurating the event at JSS Urban Haat here on Thursday, B Venkatesh ,Managing Director KSHDCL, Bengaluru said, “For all the artists who are taking part in the Gandhi Shilp Bazaar until October 9, the stalls are given free of cost. Apart from the travelling expenses, freight charges of nearly Rs 1000 and DA for ten days all nearly Rs 4000 will be given to artists. These expenses are fully paid by the Development Commissioner of Handicraft. Since it is a direct transaction between handicrafts, artisans and buyers, the rates will be almost reasonable. The artists from Northern and Southern region are more.

Craftsmen who are National and State awardees will present live demonstrations of Art and Craft and display Kasuthi sarees, Tussar silk sarees, Kantha stitch sarees, Banaras sarees and dress materials, boutique sarees and dresses and Bengali cotton sarees. They will also display Kashmiri handlooms, wood carving and furniture from Saharanpur, wood inlay, chicken embroidery, modern art murals, ceramics, Madhubani paintings, Rajasthani miniature paintings, Rajasthani embroidery and footwear, Gujarati dresses, dried flowers, a variety of leather items, various jute products, vegetable print dress materials, artificial and imitation jewellery and gemstone jewellery. Gandhi Shilp Bazaar is a shopper’s paradise which gives a clear picture of Indian art and culture to visitors. There is no entry and parking fee. The mela will be kept open daily between 10am and 9pm.

If everything goes accordingly, JSS Urban Haat may get Rs 1.5 crore for renovation. Umakant, Joint Director, JSS Technical Education said “The proposal has been sent to the government (central) for a financial assistance of Rs 1.5 crore for the development or upgradation of JSS Urban Haat. Once we get the financial assistance, we are planning to provide accommodation facilities to the visitors.”