Dhaka handloom expo presents wide varieties, to continue till Eid eve

The ongoing handloom textile fair in the capital showcases an extensive array of products ranging from apparel and jewelry to sarees and satranji, all featuring a variety of designs, and at reasonable prices.

Sellers said the products are available at comparatively low prices because they are sourced directly from entrepreneurs across different districts, including Sirajganj, Tangail, Narayanganj, and Pabna.

Sarees, three-pieces, veils, salwar, kameez, children's clothing, panjabi and shirts are among the products.

The fair that started at Tejgaon's Monipuri Para Jute Diversification Promotion Centre premises on 11 March, will continue until the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr.

With almost 30 stalls, the fair remains open to visitors from 10am to 11pm.

Visiting the fair today, this TBS correspondent found that handloom sarees were selling for Tk350, while Jamdani for Tk20,000. 

The prices of shirts and fatua made of khadi fabric range between Tk400 and Tk600, while panjabis were selling for Tk600-1500, and cotton three-piece suits at Tk500. 

In addition, children's clothing items, including panjabi, were at Tk300-500.

A customer, Mohammad Osman Gani, from the capital's Gopibagh, accompanied by his family, purchased a saree and a salwar from the Christable Fashion stall. 

"I bought a handmade saree for Tk2,200, and a salwar for Tk1,000. If I had bought these products from any other shop in the capital, it would have cost around Tk5000."

Entrepreneur Tuhin D Costa of Christable Fashion said their sarees are priced between Tk850 and Tk4,000, depending on categories such as cotton, linen, khadi and batik.  

He said they have offered discounts on the occasion of the fair. "The regular price of a men's panjabi is Tk1,200. But, it now sells for Tk999."

A group of entrepreneurs from the Kanchan Handloom Society in Narayanganj set up a stall at the fair. They said the prices are reasonable since the products are sourced directly from the factory.

Sarms Jamdani House, another stall at the fair, specialises in Jamdani sarees that come in a variety of qualities and designs. Each saree is meticulously handmade, with prices varying from Tk4,000 to Tk20,000.

The cost of a jamdani saree is mainly determined by the quality of its yarn, the intricacy of its design, and the craftsmanship time dedicated by artisans. Some jamdani sarees can be priced as high as Tk1,50,000, said Jahangir Alam, owner of Mesmin Jamdani Weaving factory.

Sellers said they are optimistic that the fair will gain momentum leading up to Eid.   

Alongside apparel, various other handloom products, home furnishings made of jute products, woven fabrics, bedspreads, satranji, and table runners are also available at the fair. 

Talking to TBS, many entrepreneurs said they are facing problems with buying quality yarn. 

One of them, entrepreneur Badiuzzaman said approximately 60% of his yarn requirements are sourced from India. "The government should take initiative so that quality yarn is available in the country at affordable prices."