VidYouth

Imagine living or working in a village, imagine a town where the buildings are made entirely of mud and get to hear folk songs being played. Imagine a neighbourhood where we get to see craftsmen working on all beautiful things around us.

Shilparamam! The word evokes fantabulous feeling of transporting us into the world of handicraft, arts and crafts. It is basically an arts and crafts village established in 1992 and is spread over an area of 65 acres. It is located very close to the newly constructed Hitex Grounds at Madhapur and promises to be a cynosure of all eyes. The whole idea behind the construction of this wonderful world is to promote our own culture which is waning rapidly.

Presently the All-India Crafts Mela 2010 which was scheduled to come to an end on December 31 has been extended till January 3 because of good public response. Sankranthi mela also started from 8-31 January with cultural programs everyday. Around 300 stalls have been put up by handloom weavers from all over India. Artisans from around 18 states are exhibiting their products. The varieties on display include Gadwal, Pochampally, Mangalagiri and Venkatagiri from AP, Banaras sarees from UP, Maheswari and Chanderi from MP, Patolas from Gujarat, Kota from Rajastan and Kantas of West Bengal. The Artificial flowers segment was a runaway success. The flowers made of paper were preferred by many and visitors were seen displaying their huge beautiful collection of flowers. “My living room is going to be complete with these flowers. I have a huge vase ready for it”, beams Shilpa, an Architect.

Puppetry Statues. Credit: Pearl Rive

Chilaka josyam. Credit: Pearl Rive

Colourful Terracota. Credit: Pearl Rive

Some other attractions at the Mela were competitions for women in traditional wear,  Bathukamma devotional songs and Ammavari (goddess) dress competitions for kids. Traditional festive food is being served at “Grameena” everyday.  Kids have more to look forward to, including boating, bullock cart rides, the village museum etc. The museum had a setup of a village and lifelike statues were installed everywhere portraying people from all walks of the society. The expressions were so real and life like on the statues. The models of the village market, puppetry show, a village house, carpenter, miller, barber, tribal lifestyle, granary blacksmith etc are some of the highlights. The museum was brimming with people.

The actual highlight of Shilparamam is the tall man who is 7 feet 6 inches named Mr.Gattaiah. He’s kind of slow in his movement with a swollen toe, an injury may be. His voice is as big as his stature but gentle in manners. He is a native of Ramagundam, Karim nagar district and is 34 years old. He obliges visitors for photographs and also accepts small donations from them. Shilparamam proves to be the perfect destination for all ages and is definitely a welcome change from all the Hi- Fi malls in and around the city. We are in dire need to promote our age old customs and traditions.

The Hoarding. Credit: Pearl Rive

Flowers. Credit: Pearl Rive

People at the Stalls. Credit: Pearl Rive

Cultural programs are being organized daily at the venue, in the evenings from 6.30 pm and puppetry, pagati veshalu, puli veshalu etc. are part of the fair. On Sankranthi day Shilparamam turned into a virtual sea of humanity and it was indeed a huge colourful Mela with large number of women turning up in gorgeous sarees/dresses of all hues and colours. “I have come here to participate in the Rangoli competition which I do every year. I hope to get a prize this time”, says Lakshmi, a home maker. “The management sucks! They were so adamant to conduct the competition indoor, inspite of the cloudy skies and weather forecast of moderate rains. Public Relations Officer, Ms. Jyothi (23) was of an opinion that all participants should blindly follow her instructions just because she makes the rules there. We put all our efforts in bringing out a good Rangoli and all they want is their publicity through TV Channels. These competitions is more of a show than the spirit of the festival. I’d rather not be a part of these stunts. I have least expected this kind of rude and unfriendly behavior from Shilparamam staff.” fumes Ramya Satyam Pothireddi, a finalist of the three day Rangoli competitions. TV5, NTV, ABN Andhra Jyothi, Hmtv channel reporters were present to cover the event.

Handmade paper and Jute stalls were a huge hit. They are considered eco friendly and people were thronging these stalls. Jute ear rings, bracelets, neck pieces were unique. Paintings were also sold like oil, water color and canvas medium. One artist from Orissa sold pen drawings which were surely unique and worth buying. They ranged from Rs. 500-Rs.1000 per drawing. They had such charm. Thanjavur glass paintings were also sold.

There were also shawls & woollens from J&K, handlooms from Uttaranchal, Madhubani paintings from Bihar, appliqués of Orissa, Sandal work of Karnataka and handicrafts from Pondicherry. “I have bought myself an exotic Pashmina stole as it goes well with any dress I wear especially my jeans”, says Sandhya, a student.