North-eastern crafts weave magic at IGRMS

BHOPAL: The 'north east craft fair' displaying traditional arts and crafts of northeastern states attracted scores of visitors at Veethi Sankul during 43rd foundation day celebrations at IGRMS.

The Sikkim handicraft and handloom stall displayed traditional dress called ' bhutia ' with bags, jackets and caps made from the Lepcha cloth.

The stall of Nagaland displayed variety of spices like dry chillies and wild apples that are common in that region. There were also handmade slippers adorned with crochia threads called 'Mhalo'.

The stall of Assam displayed traditional handicraft 'Kamrup' and apparels called 'Gamucha' and 'Mekhela Chador '. Both of them are made from pure cotton fabric that suits well to the city's rising temperature.

Other products were 'Muga Mekhela Chador', 'Eri Mekhela Chador' and 'Pat Mekhela Chador' made of different varieties of silk.

"Gamucha is a sort of towel that is worn by Assamese men and it is even used to honour men on special occasions. Gamucha is also given as a gift to men on festivals like Bihu. In our hometown almost every family belongs to traditional weaving communities that focus on self-stitched clothes," said Triveni Hazarika, technical superintendent of weaver's service centre in Agartala .

Weaving is an age old tradition as well as occupation in the north eastern region, the knowledge of which has been passed down from generation to generation. "Earlier, it was mandatory for a girl to possess the knowledge of weaving so as to make a suitable bride. But with modern times and western influence it has increased our dependence on readymade clothes. It is due to such events that we can preserve and propagate our culture, clothing and food", Hazarika said.