Poompuhar's Grand Handicrafts Exhibition Underway at Chennai's Egmore Museum

The Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation (Poompuhar) has organised a Grand Handicrafts Exhibition and Sale at the Government Museum Complex, Egmore, Chennai. The exhibition, which opened on July 7, will remain open to the public until July 19.

The expo features more than 33 stalls, showcasing an extensive collection of traditional handicrafts from across India. Visitors can explore Panchaloha idols, Thanjavur paintings, decorative art plates, brass lamps, handcrafted garments, Rajasthani dolls, bamboo and jute products, wooden carvings, stone sculptures, and many other artisan-made products.

The exhibition has been organised to provide artisans with a platform to display and sell their creations, preserve India`s rich handicraft heritage, improve the livelihoods of traditional craftsmen, and encourage greater appreciation for indigenous art forms.

Poompuhar has invited the public to visit the exhibition and purchase products directly from artisans, noting that such initiatives play an important role in sustaining India`s centuries-old craft traditions.

One of the exhibitors, R. Anitha, is displaying handcrafted handbags, roti boxes, baskets, mats, and wall holders made from Kauna grass, Sabai grass, and date leaves. The products are priced between ₹100 and ₹4,000.

Speaking about the exhibition, Anitha said she regularly participates in private exhibitions but chose to set up a stall at the Egmore Museum this time. While the initial visitor turnout has been moderate, she expects a significant increase in footfall over the weekend.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), P. Mathan Raja. T.N. Venkatesh, Principal Secretary, Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department, and S. Amirtha Jyothi, Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation, also attended the inaugural function.

The exhibition offers Chennai residents and tourists an opportunity to explore authentic Indian handicrafts while directly supporting traditional artisans from across the country.