Pochampally IKAT Art Mela 2015, a 10-day hand woven eco friendly handloom products mela at State Gallery of Fine Arts, Madhapur, Hyderabad where renowned textile designers and weavers of Pochampally present their designer handloom products was inaugurated by Tollywood actress Manali Rathore of ‘Green Signal’ fame on Sunday.

Speaking at the inauguration, the actress said that it is glad to see various apparel, particularly designer fabrics, silk and cotton sarees, being showcased for the fashion connoisseurs. Platforms such as this are required to reach out women looking for well-designed handmade cotton, silk wear and exclusive home textile.

The Mela is organized by the Pochampally Handloom Park. Lava Kumar-Director and Ex Chairmen – Krishna, Pochampally Hand-loom Park said that hand-looms are part of an age old Indian tradition element of Indian culture and rich artistry. By promoting hand-looms, they support the artisans and local community who have been passing on their skills for generations. Promoting creativity and originality, each design is a result of individual artisan’s creativity which is influenced by the local traditions and cultures.

The exhibition will have handloom products like handmade bed and home linen, dress materials, silk and cotton sarees in exquisite designs and contemporary colours by famous designers on display. The Mela will be on till 21st April 2015.