Hyderabad,August 2008: A four-day Handicrafts Exhibition showcasing handicrafts, jewellery, sarees, garments, artifacts, etc. from states across India such as Kolkata, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, etc. is kicked off here at YWCA, near Clock Tower, Secunderabad. Organised by Swayambhar NARI (Non-formal Action Research Institute), a Kolkata-based Voluntary Organisation the exhibition will be on till Friday i.e. 29th August and is open from 11 AM to 9 PM daily.

The special attractions of the exhibition are the traditional hand embroidered Kantha and Balucheri Sarees in Silk and Cotton from Kolkata; the famous Madhubani paintings from Bihar; Jewellery made with Seeds and many others.

The exhibition has on display Sarees, Leather items, Batiks, Jute products, dress materials, jewellery, Kabhai embroidery and block paintings, sarees, etc. We bring the rich heritage of different regions to this exhibition and also an opportunity for the artisans to develop themselves and to know the market and its demands, etc. informed Mrs Surangama Bhadra, Founder secretary of the organisation. Swayambhar NARI has been organising such Handicrafts exhibitions all over India for the last 18 years.

Swayambhar NARI was started in 1988 essentially for women but over the years the male craftsmen too have joined. It was started as a voluntary group for providing marketing facilities to craftspersons. Today, it has more than 1,000 members.

The organisation runs two craft schools at Midnapore and Birbhum, Shantiniketan besides schools in rural areas for the craftspersons' children. It advises craftspersons on design matters.