Lucknow/Greater Noida, Read: The traditional skills of Uttar Pradesh are making their mark across the seven seas in the UP International Trade Show organized in Greater Noida. At some places, carpets of Bhadohi are attracting buyers and at other places, black pottery of Azamgarh, terracotta of Gorakhpur and chikankari of Lucknow are attracting foreign guests.
Buyers from Russia, Japan and Belarus are understanding the intricacies of these artefacts. However, challenges like language and price are also coming in the way of reaching foreign markets. Artisans say that the trade show has given them an opportunity to showcase their skills to the world.
Black pottery of Azamgarh reached New Zealand
The face of Vikas Prajapati, who came from Azamgarh, is happy that his talent is getting recognition. He told that his black pottery has reached New Zealand. People are showing interest in these products even in trade shows. The representatives from Russia and Belarus saw the terracotta artefacts of Shashikant Singh of Gorakhpur and took information. They hope to increase their business due to the interest of foreign buyers.
Japanese buyers came, but language stalled the deal
Buyers from Japan and Russia reached the stall of Lucknow's chikankari businessman Mirza Yusuf Ahmed. He said that foreign guests have shown interest in the products, but no orders have been received yet. There is a language problem in conversation. Despite interpreters being available, business negotiations with buyers are not going smoothly.
Good response from buyers for Bhadohi carpets
Istikhar Ahmed of Bhadohi has reached the trade show for the second time. Along with the display of zari and carpet, the process of making them is also being shown at their stall. He told that this time along with the buyers, common people are also liking the products and purchases are being made.
Artworks ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 1.40 lakh
A different story of handicrafts also came to light in the trade show. Varanasi's Om Prakash Sharma's stall has artefacts ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 1.40 lakh. The artwork of Panchmukhi Hanuman is priced at Rs 1.40 lakh. Artisans say that their artefacts go to foreign countries, but many art lovers in the country are unable to buy them due to their being expensive. Maintaining the identity of handicrafts in the age of machines is also a challenge. In such a situation, trade shows are becoming a platform for them to spread their art to the new generation along with sales.
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