I had almost forgotten how much fun going to an exhibition could be. I used to love going to them. Correction – I love going even now. It’s just that I cannot/do not do it any longer. During my working days, visiting exhibitions and writing about them was part of my job. That was such absolute fun.
My favourites were the crafty ones, you know the kind where craftsmen come by with their wares. Not because I’m a great shopper or because I have a great eye for pretty things. I do not. I love them because there’s always the chance I’ll stumble upon something quaint and quirky.
But it’s not just that; it’s the whole atmosphere I love – colourful stalls dotting a wide open field, shoppers laden with bags, children running around – yeah there was a time I could actually enjoy watching children running around without the face of an exasperated mom looming up in my imagination to spoil the picture!
But I am digressing. What I like even more than the cheerful vibe, are the craftsmen. They’re not mere sellers peddling their wares. In most cases they’ve made the products themselves so there’s a love for their craft that comes through way more warmly than the slickest sales speech of a savvy salesman in a swanky store. That’s quite a tongue twister but you do get what I’m saying, right? The craftsmen share a connection with and a love for their product. And that makes it special. It’s like I’m carrying a little bit of them with me when I buy their wares.
Remember my last post where I wrote about missing out on going to an exhibition? Well as it happened I did make time for it during the week – the delightful Dastkari Haat. It turned out to be all I loved and more. Colourful buntings welcomed us, a group of musicians all the way from Barmer, Rajasthan were singing folk songs and the air was filled with happy chatter.
Events such as this one are a bit of a rare treat for me.
Sharing a few pictures.
I love going to such art and craft exhibitions too. I was at one last week and it was so much fun checking out different arty things from various states. Some of things that they showcase are truly unique and quaint! Now that the winters are here, there would be lots of such exhibitions every where!! Love the platters and lamp shades.
You live in a place that’s the absolute heaven of crafts and artefacts. Stalls from Western India are my absolute favourites – the colours and the fabrics are amazing. I can imagine how wonderful it must be during the winter.
I love the sounds, the colours and can’t resist buying some of the pieces at these exhibitions. Great pictures, T.
Me too Corinne. All those small knick knacks seem so affordable. It’s only after a few hours you realise your hands are full of shopping bags and your wallet is empty :-).
What a beautiful pictures, I just loved them. especially the kite one. I also love the creative exhibitions, they show the true hard work behind any art or crafts. here, in the USA we always missed those traditional arts and crafts. they are really amazing.
They really are wonderful. Such a pity you don’t have them in the US.
Thanks for sharing such bright n beautiful pics Tulika! It brings a warm vibe to my mood.
These are the kind of places we should have gone together when you were around.
Colorful Pictures indeed! Even I love exhibition. An Exhibition is held here in Hyderabad every Year in the month of January. It runs for a One and a half month! I love the colors and vibe of that place then, it is absolutely stunning!
One and a half month! That’s so wonderful. You can pretty much choose your time. This one was for a week and that’s a lot. Exhibitions generally come for a weekend and those are the busiest times for me so I end up missing out on most of them.
Oh, I simply love such exhibitions, Tulika! In fact, it’s here that I know how Alice must have felt in her Wonderland! All those arty things from different states, the colourful artefacts, clothes, jewellery, furniture…aaahhh…..it gets tough while leaving; I feel a wistfulness each time I pass by or even hear about such exhibitions. I don’t visit them as much as I did when I worked, ages ago!
Sigh.
Oh you must begin to go again. I had such a feeling of happiness all day that day that I’ve decided I must make the effort to go out more often.
These are such happy pics and reminds me of childhood days when our family would always go to suraj kund or some other places for Sundays!
Oh yes I’ve heard so much about the Surak Kund Mela. Maybe one day I’ll be able to check that one out too.
You know, I agree with you on the handicraft exhibitions and watching the artisans’ faces light up when they speak about their wares. It’s so heartwarming. I am not one for wares nor do I have an eye for them, as such but it’s so beautiful to see the energy and vibrancy in the air. After becoming a mum, of course, I go to exhibitions but with suitable prep such as ‘did you carry water and a sun hat?’ 😉
Exactly, it’s the vibe of the place I love. Of course I end up shopping too. And I try to leave the kids home, specially H. I know he’d hate it there and drive me crazy with ‘when can we go home’.
Thank you for sharing those pictures! I love your finds! Especially the kites! They are so pretty! 🙂 I’d get one and probably paint a quote and hang it in my bedroom! Love the food one comes across in these places. We always savoured the soft serve softy served in the stall right before the exit! (I love tongue twisters :))
Yeah I know you’d do that! And also that such a thought would never cross my head. Food here was pretty basic but delicious nonetheless.
PS: I love tongue twisters too :-).