hilpgram Bazaar and Exhibitions to Continue Until DecemSber 30

Udaipur: Despite the state mourning declared after the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, which has halted cultural performances at the annual Shilpgram Festival organized by the West Zone Cultural Centre, the enthusiasm for the handicrafts and handloom products remains unmatched. The event, held at Havala-Shilpgram, has attracted an overwhelming response from visitors, with robust sales reported across various stalls.

According to Furqan Khan, Director of the West Zone Cultural Centre, the products on display have captivated visitors, leading to significant purchases. Friday witnessed a bustling crowd, with the bazaar reaching its peak vibrancy by evening. Products and cuisines from different states have become major crowd-pullers.

Surge in Woolen Sales Amidst Winter Chill

Craftsmen from Himachal Pradesh, such as Bittu Ram from Kangra, have brought a slice of their state's heritage to Shilpgram. At Stall No. 8, Bittu Ram, alongside his wife Bhavna Devi, passionately explains the intricacies of their woolen products—ranging from caps to jackets. The wool, sourced from their own sheep, undergoes an extensive process of cleaning, weaving, and hand-stitching to create these exquisite items. With a team of 10 artisans dedicated to stitching, each product is entirely handmade.

Natural Colors and Handcrafted Excellence
The wool, in its natural hues of white, brown, and black, is sometimes dyed using homemade techniques to meet market demands. Bittu Ram notes that while competition is stiff at their shop in Kangra, the Shilpgram bazaar offers a unique platform with immense demand and sales.

Gohana’s Jaleba: A Taste That Wins Hearts

Bigger, Better, and Irresistibly Delicious

From the quaint town of Gohana, Haryana, comes a culinary marvel—the Gohana Jaleba. Crafted decades ago by local confectioners Nathuram, Inder, Pyarelal, and Omprakash, this 250-gram dessert has now become a national sensation. Whether paired with milk or relished alone, the Gohana Jaleba leaves a lasting impression on every palate.

Quality That Speaks for Itself

According to Naresh Kumar, one of the makers, their principle of uncompromised quality has been the cornerstone of their success. Made with pure desi ghee and boasting an irresistible crunch, the Jaleba has an unmatched flavor that keeps customers coming back for more. Naresh proudly shares how festivals across India—from Goa to Lucknow and Agra—have witnessed the growing fan base of this dessert.

At Shilpgram, the response has been phenomenal. Many visitors are drawn to the festival solely to savor this culinary masterpiece, making it a standout attraction.