A stall by self-help women's group from Uttarakhand is a major hit at the ongoing CII Chandigarh Fair being held at Parade Ground here, exhibition organisers said on Saturday.
Oora Infini, an organization in Uttarakhand, wholly run by 300 women voluntarily working to promote 'swadeshi' products, have set up an amazing example to the world stating that 'She' has the power to create, nurture and transform.
The name Oora Infini is synonym to 'sab theek hai', making women realise that they are not less than anyone. The different types of LED lights introduced by them are 100 per cent Indian.
"These lights are superior to the ordinary lights available in the market. Our lights are expensive but highly durable and reparable. These lights don't heat up easily and remain cool even after continuous usage. We hardly make use of machines in manufacturing our products," says an exhibitor.
These women also impart training to jail inmates and women from Nari Niketans.
They are being supported by the Government of Uttarakhand under PMEGP scheme.
The pristine beauty of Uttarakhand is no secret, but what is less known is the exquisite craftsmanship of the state's artisans in handloom and handicraft articles.
The traditional woollen coat of Uttarakhand is also available at the fair.
The speciality of the coat is that it is made of sheep wool - marino. It is in huge demand by visitors. Its woollen shawls, sweaters, jackets, mufflers and cardigans for male and female are priced between Rs 900 to Rs 15,000.
Kurtis and dresses for kids with traditional handicraft from Uttarakhand is another big hit at the fair that will end on Monday.
The government has exhibited natural cereals, pulses, wheat flour, grains, spices, edible oil, herbs and even different varieties of organic tea.
"It is the second day and we have sold almost all our stock. Visitors are loving organic pulses and vegetables grown in the hill state. People are becoming more inclined towards organic food items considering their health benefits. We are extremely happy with the kind of response we have received at CII Chandigarh Fair, which is very encouraging," said a representative at the Uttarakhand stall.
Hand-painted Dupattas from West Bengal also caught eyeballs at the CII Chandigarh Fair.
Interesting artefacts and handicrafts from West Bengal on display at the States of India Pavilion is getting tremendous response. Hand-painted 'dupattas' from West Bengal are a big hit this year.
"Visitors have really liked hand-painted 'dupattas' and suits and we have sold all our unstitched 'kurtis' and are out-of-stock," said an artisan.
'Dupattas' are priced between Rs 550 and Rs 650, while 'kurtis' are priced between Rs 600 and Rs 900.
The West Bengal State Export Promotion Society is showcasing their wooden carvings and sculptures, utensils, artificial flowers, decorative showpieces, jute bags, crystal necklaces, cotton katha suits, hand-made soft toys, hand-stitched sarees, etc.
"Artisans from Krishnanagar district are showcasing hand-made clay dolls depicting human figures, idols of Hindu religion, and great men of India. The unique feature of these sculptures is that the artisans are very particular about the display of human anatomy," said a Senior Official from the West Bengal State Export Promotion Society.
Another key attraction is an exquisite range of ancient blue pottery from Jaipur which is hand-made and is world-famous for its colour and brightness.
Priced between Rs 50 and Rs 600, these artisans are showcasing a wide range of 'diyas', lanterns, wall hangings, bathroom sets, and a range of decorative items.
