Colors of Life

In the middle of all the love, peace and happiness work we’re involved in, I managed to get an unexpected break and visit a crafts fair near our place en route to running an errand. It was a delightful interlude to an extremely warm and busy day. Just window-shopping, taking in the colors of life was a visual treat. This crafts fair is something one can expect to see happening all over the city at various times – and I usually wait for one that is close enough to where we stay. As I approached the gate, I saw people spilling out from an otherwise peaceful place. Then I saw the banner announcing the event and I had to walk in.

There were displays from all over India – and I took a few pictures. Some of the stall owners requested me not to take photographs and I had to respect them. Still,  I am grateful I got to even look at all their gorgeous crafts. There were craftsmen demonstrating how they made the specific items being sold and that was a wonderful experience.

That India has a rich heritage is something everyone knows – but the diversity of art is simply breathtaking, with every stall being equally stunning.  It was a great time-out for me and I spent a glorious hour and a half there.  So let’s begin our photo-journey already through…..

the colors of life!

This stark black display is stoneware from Manipur in  NorthEastern India.  I was eager to buy and secretly thanked my lucky stars that I left my credit card at home! So no, I did not.

Colors of life – Stoneware from Manipur at the Crafts Fair

Look at this, in absolute contrast! I  have quite a few of these and love them. Useful and great to look at!

A riot of colors of life – pottery exhibition at the crafts fair

This stall had some fabulous wood and metal art from North India, probably Rajasthan, since the rest of their display was from there. Beautiful to look at and very very expensive.

Colors of Life – wood and metal art

Creative art – glazed decorative pottery with figures etched on the side. Very interesting to look at. Huge. I wonder what she’s worried about. She looks so pensive!

Colors of Life – Creative art – glazed pottery

But these, pottery from Rajasthan – I would definitely have liked one for my house, especially the narrow ones. Under the awning, in the warm afternoon sun, they just glowed.

Colors of Life – brilliant hues of Rajasthan

A closer look. Quite lovely.

Colors of life – decorative art from Rajasthan

More pottery. I thought of the post title colors of life when I saw this. I am really proud of myself for not buying any. Especially that miniature set on the left.

Colors of Life – Colorful pottery galore

Another of those glazed pottery works of art. This was a pretty tall …um….vase? It kind of freaked me out.

Colors of Life – Glazed pottery art

I bought some bookmarks – Pattachitra art on palm leaves or palm leaf painting, which is native of Odisha

RadhaKrishna Patachitra on a palm leaf – exquisitely done

I got a colorful Sanganeri bed cover with Kantha work from the Rajasthan stall. I just love it! The entire bedspread is first hand block printed and then the “kantha work” or running hand-stitches are done. Labor of love.

A beautiful Sanganeri bedspread with kantha work. I love it!

Then, I quickly decided to step out.

Then the heavens opened up, and the rain came down in torrents. Secure in the knowledge that my purchases and other contents were safely wrapped in plastic, I happily started the long trek to the bus stop so I could get some kind of transport home.

An hour later, I shared an autorickshaw with another lady who was heading in the same direction and got home – drenched to the…um….skin.

It felt good though, to have been impulsive and take out some time to smell the flowers. It helped me relax. It refreshed me. It made me happy and allowed me to empty my mind.

For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.  ~Lily Tomlin

Let’s now head to UnknownMami’s place – she is the lovely host of  the Sundays In My City meme.