Siliguri : West Bengal hosted a handicraft fair on Saturday in Siliguri to promote local artisans.
Around 700 artisans from across the state participated in the 15-day long fair that began on December 23.
Organised by Small Scale Industries (SSI) unit of the state government, the fair aimed at bringing the sellers and buyers on a single platform.
“We benefit from such fairs as jute items are not sold in local markets in our village. During these fairs, we come in contact with numerous people and business parties who place orders for different items on a large number. Hence, we benefit from these fairs,” said an artisan, Bela Hazra.
Dresses, carpets and other household items made of bamboo and jute were among the handicraft items on sale at the fair.
“We have focused on artisans and their works from every district in West Bengal. This is to allow them to showcase their work, sell and let people enjoy these handicrafts and purchase them. Artisans can make more in a better way and improve their livelihood,” said office in-charge, Small Scale Industries, West Bengal government, Goutam Kumar Ghosh.
More people are expected to arrive at the fair in the coming days. (ANI)