Bhopal, Apr 17: In this age of modernisation when people are dependent on the western culture, tradition, fashion etc. It is a pleasant surprise to know that there are some who are still living for the tradition and culture of our own motherland. Here we are talking about the expert craftsmen and artisans who have come from different corners of the country to the Summer Haat with their beautiful creations. These are some of the items, which helped to create our own identity outside the country.

'The beauty of this city of lakes and hills cannot be explained in words', said a woman tourist from New York. More and more people are attracted towards this beautiful city every year particularly at a time when the season is of holidays and one or the other 'Fair' or 'Haat' is organised here.

Not only the local residents, but tourists also visit the Summer Haat organised at the Bhopal Haat daily. Items of Handlooms and handcrafts from all over the country are being displayed here. Variety of items for decoration, handloom dress material in famous Cotton Silk and Silk varieties have been put on sale. Bhopal Today Team spent some time with the expert artisans of handicraft to know how these beautiful items are made. The reporter also met some local citizens and tourists to know their views about the Haat and the items exhibited there.

What artisans say

Sarkar Ahmed, who came from Sheopur (MP) said that his place was famous for manufacturing items of wood. He brought several beautiful and useful items to Summer Haat. The items he brought include Telephone Stand, Matki, Lantern, Tumbler, FlowerPot, Bangle Stand, etc. He said all these items he had made himself. 'For years, I have been doing this and wherever there is Haat, I use to go there to exhibit and sell the items. The price of the items ranges from Rs 50 to Rs 1500', he said.

Harish Chandra, who belongs to Gorakhpur (UP) said he knows how to change the clay into beautiful items. He has made several beautiful items of clay like bouquet, lamp, elephant, horse, statues of God Ganesh, etc. He said he has been doing this business since last several years and has been going to Haats and fairs in different parts of the country.

Muraja, another artiste from Meerut, said she prepares items of lac. She makes beautiful jewellery items like rings, garland, anklet with lac which are liked by women and girls alike. She said the price of her items ranges between Rs 140 to Rs 450. Women and girls of this city have bought many items from her, she added.

Bedar Bakht is a suit specialist businessman of Bhopal. He opined that the Haats and fairs should be held in the big towns and cities so that large number of citizens get a chance to buy the items from different parts of the country exhibited at the Haat. He said he has brought hand-made cotton silk suits to the Haat. Several varieties of suits are available with him, he said.

What tourists say

Ms Femi, who came from New York, liked this city of lakes and hills. She said 'I just could not explain in words the beauty of this city'. When I heard of the Summer Haat at Bhopal Haat, I visited the place with my friend. She said she has decided to buy lots of clothes from the Haat.

According to Saba Khan, dress designer, the climate in Bhopal during summer is excellent and evergreen. The evenings are very pleasant. I heard that experts of handlooms and handicrafts from different parts of the country have brought their beautiful items to Bhopal Haat. I have come to see what they have to display. I am a dress designer. Therefore, I have special interest to see and buy others' creations. I have decided to buy all sorts of clothes from here.