Hyderabad rocks in the end of the year also. This time I am not talking about parties and loud music. But the traditional India coming straight down to the city of pearls.

Well, we have this handicraft’s fair conducted annually every year with hundreds of craftsmen coming from all over the country. Shilparamam is the name of the traditional fair. I am sure most of you must have heard of it. They are people always waiting for this annual fair to happen, to do their houses, update their wardrobe, adorn their gardens and revive their inner traditional souls. The fair with its ethnic ambience creates a different mood in the visitors all together. The customary India awaits you right there though in a very minute form compared to the wide scenery of India.

This annual fair is usually conducted from the time of Christmas till the South Indian New Year that is, Sankranthi. It is a 24-day fair and reflects all the colours of the Indian tradition. Be it Kashmiri, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Lucknowi, Bihari, Manipuri, Gujarathi, Orissa, Marathi, or south Indian. Shilparamam is a blend of all the mores of India. That is why it is called an ‘All India Crafts Mela’.

From the very doorway of the fair one can sense the ethnicity that will follow. The main gate of the fair is beautifully decorated with flowers and leaves. It is huge vicinity where in sometimes the crowd tends to lose its way. A person cannot stop looking at the amount of variety available. It can be called a small tour of Indian handicrafts also.

Kashmir that has been given the status of heaven on earth has its shawls and fabric put up at Shilparamam. The fabric and shawls are beautifully hand weaven with many umpteen designs on it. Kashmiri shawls are known for their warmth and beauty. Next, a bit lower than Kashmir is the Punjab. The land of excellent fabric and cute jootis. It is the house of varied fabrics. Shilparamam also has stalls put by the people of the land of sand, Rajasthan. Block printed and Kalamkiri work done fabric, home décor like bed sheets, wall hangings, table pieces, garden knick-knacks, jute and embroidery with bead bags, ethnic jewellery and colourful ghagharas. Chikan work suits and sarees are also put up from the city of nawabs. In addition to fabric, Lucknowi chappals are put up. Though Bihar is famous only for its violence and Laloo, bedspreads from Bihar are an eye-opener.

The sister of Rajasthan in attire and lifestyle Gujarat is also up with its exquisite display of ghagharas, jewellery and handbags. Glittering silver jewellery from Orissa beats the gold also. Its handbags and fabric are no less. It was surprising to see a stall from Orissa. This unnoticed state has lots to be spoken and explored about. Of course, the ethnic cloth from the whole of South India has also made heads turn. An amazing combination of colour and designs is truly the South Indian palette. Shawls and fabric are also flown in from the romantic Shimla.

Home décor from Haryana was astounding. One will realize Haryana has lots more than lorries and food. Colourful fabric from the heart of the country, Madhya Pradesh, is also been put on sale. Last but no the least from the land of Rasgullas is West Bengal. Fabric from Kolkata is famous all over the world. Apart from fabric and sarees, this time cute pieces for home décor were also on display.

Traditional dances and folk groups from different states perform and entertain the crowd. It is a complete picnic for a family. Shopping, watching performances and eating make the square perfect for a person to spend an entire day at Shilparamam. Though the competition is between the states, but in a harmonious manner. People from all over India come and live together and enjoy this 24-day Crafts Fair.

After mentioning all about the things available there, I still feel that there might be some things that must have been left out. Well guys, this small mind of mine is too small to envelop the varied diversity of India. Do visit this place when holidaying in Hyderabad during Christmas and New Year. A small peak at ethnic India is Shilparamam.