Bengali handicrafts fair at Dilli Haat

New Delhi: Aiming to promote the rich culture of the state, the West Bengal government organised a first-of-its-kind exhibition of handicrafts at the Dilli Haat here. Handicrafts and handloom items being sold at the ongoing fair have got registration under Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, including `nakshi kantha` (traditional needle craft) and embossed leather of Shantiniketan. Geographical Indication is a sign used on products which corresponds to a specific geographical location and conforms to a defined quality standard. "A total of 32 artisans and weavers from various districts of West Bengal, including Murshidabad, Bankura, Bardhaman, Kolkata, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas and Birbhum, are participating in the exposition at Dilli Haat," a statement said, adding, it would bring commercial benefits to the artisans before the festive season. The exhibition, part of `Banglar Taant` being organised in Kolkata, will end on September 30. For the first time, environment?friendly jute packaging of the wares are being promoted in consonant with the Delhi government`s policy to reduce plastic bags. "Diversified jute and jute-cotton products herald a big future for the innovative packaging industry. Two self-help groups from North 24-Parganas have brought to the exhibition a customised product using golden fibre jute, largely grown in West Bengal," the statement said. Visitors can also enjoy a unique cultural soiree with Rabindra sangeet, Nazrul geeti and dance performances bringing out the rhythm and tunes of Bengal on September 28. In keeping with the pre-puja festive spirit, culinary delights including Bengali street food will be available at the fair venue, the statement said. PTI