It is that time of the year again, when artisans, craftsmen, weavers and the entire pool of art lovers will gather together for the biggest celebration of creativity. This is that time of the year again, when Bengal’s creative side would be on display at India’s largest handicraft’s fair – West Bengal State Handicraft Expo (Paschim Banga Hastashilpa Mela).
Handicraft is one of the few things that the state of West Bengal is famous all over the world and the artisans from this state has been participating in various international and national fairs where their handicrafts have been lauded. Converting skilful handicraft artisans of the state into entrepreneurs is what the state government is trying to achieve through cohesion business and art.
Earthen pots on display at the fair
A pool of talent
Nearly 3000 artisans from different parts of the state like Hooghly, Nadia, Bankura, Darjeeling, Murshidabad, Jangalmahal are participating in this handicraft fair.
WB Handicraft Expo gives us an opportunity to adore the talents of immense hard work and patience of men and woman of distant villages of rural Bengal.
Artist from different parts of Bengal
Artwork from Phulia, Shantipur, Dhaniakhali, Krishnagar, Purulia, Bankura, Hoogly, Birbhum, Bishnupur, Midnapore are on display. Although many consider these places as the underdeveloped parts of West Bengal, but the fact is that, these places are actually synonymous with talent and heritage of the state – the source of the widest form of arts and crafts. In fact, the small scale handicrafts industry of rural Bengal contributes a handsome amount to India’s foreign earning.
Cane furniture at the fair
Better than the best
Among the popular artefacts, the best on display are undoubtedly the clay models from Krishnanagar, terracotta art from Bankura, shell art from Midnapore, Kantha stitch and Batik from Bolpur, Baluchari from Bisnupur, potchitra from Birbhum, Tant from Shantipur, Phoolia and Dhoniakhali, Silk from Murshidabad, masks from Purulia, woolens of Darjeeling, Cane crafts from Jalpaiguri, besides, jute and wooden artworks, carpets, handbags, wall hangings and many more.
Handicrafts from this state decorate the shops of cities in Europe, US, China and elsewhere. Beautiful jewellery like bangles, ear rings made of wheat, bamboo, seeds, and even fish scales have been put on display. Each of these creations showcases the unique talent of the hands of the creator.
Women from rural Bengal displaying their sector's handicraft
Different forms of creativity at the handicrafts fair 
Image Courtesy: West Bengal Trade Promotion Organisation
: Facebook/Department of West Bengal Tourism
: Facebook/SouravElectroSen
