Visitors at the festival can buy sarees and kurthas of Punjab, necklaces and earrings of Andhra Pradesh, jute bags and jute key rings of Uttar Pradesh, terracotta products from New Delhi and coconut candle stands and wine holders from Goa among others all under a single roof. [break]
The price of kurthas ranges from Rs 700 to Rs 1,000, while necklaces and earrings are priced between from Rs 160 and Rs 80,000. Similarly, jute bags are priced in range of Rs 80 to Rs 240, terracotta products between Rs 80 and Rs 5,000, cosmetic products and key rings at Rs 100 and Rs 40 each respectively. Coconut candle holders cost in range of Rs 80 to Rs 320, while coconut wine holder can be taken home for Rs 560 each.
The festival, which is being held at Nepal Academy, Kamaladi will continue till Wednesday.
However, Nirankaj Singh, salesman of Women Line, complained of fewer buyers. “We are here to sell jute products, but they are very few visitors at the festival,” he said.
Some companies are participating in the festival just to promote their products. “I am participating in this festival to promote and market my products,” Ruma Dutta of Dev Blenders said, adding, “I am looking for a Nepali firm to distribute my products here.”
Dev Blenders manufactures incense, soap, ayurvedic cosmetics and skin care products.
Sonu Kumar, proprietor of Sonu Kumar Handicrafts, echoed Dutta and said he is also looking for firms to market his products in Nepal.
Sonu Kumar Handicrafts deals on terracotta and clay products.
The six-day festival aims to enhance bilateral relationship between the two countries in the field of arts and crafts. The organizers say the festival will be a learning platform for crafts persons of both the countries. They are also hopeful that the even would help in tourism promotion in both the countries.
The festival is organized by South Asia Foundation (SAF) in association with Embassy of India, Kathmandu, State Government of Goa and Nepal Tourism Board.
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