Shilpgram is not a festival but a concept. A concept that is committed to showcasing the best of traditional music, dance, art and craft of India.

Under the domain, the finest and rarest of articles manufactured by the traditional craftsmen from various corners of the country are being made available to the patrons who participate as audience, visitors or bargain hunters.

As the Shilpgram Utsav 2011 is successfully reaching the culmination of its exciting and fun-filled journey, UT goes a step forward in presenting the top 8 buys available at the venue. 8 of the most beautiful, unique and worth buying artifacts at Shilpgram Utsav 2011 are described and showcased below for our readers.

We do not, in any way claim our list to be ‘complete’ and/or ‘flawless’ hence we encourage you to add any such things you may have seen or witnessed as buyable, that we may have missed in our endeavor.

Iron Insects: Generally, flying insects annoy many people, but these tiny creatures made of iron definitely grab attention. Being showcased in the dhatu-dham market of Shilpgram, the House Bees, Grasshoppers, Flies and many other insect forms have been finely crafted by Hazarilal from Jaipur. The most unique feature of these metallic bugs is that they are absolutely handmade and not a single tool is used in its making. Cost of the iron insects ranges between Rs. 200/- to Rs. 500/-.

Available at: Stall no. 6 of Dhatu Dham market

Crystal Ganpati: If you have a soft corner for crystal and glass made miniature structures, then have a look at the finest and one of the most beautiful work of craft by Waqar Hussain’s gold plated crystal made Lord Ganesha statues. Interestingly, the statue is a mirror image, identical from both front and rear sides. Udaipur based Waqar has also created carts, cattle and other animals, all made from crystal. He also crafted the official logo of Shilpgram Utsav 2011 out of crystal. The price of the Ganesh idol is Rs. 600

Available at: Stall no. 40 of Vividha market

Copper Bells: Use it as a musical instrument or keep it as a showpiece – the copper bells made of different metals are one such piece of art displayed by Ahmed Siddique from Kutch, Gujarat. The specialty of this bell is the 4 metal components that have been used in the fabrication: Copper, Brass, Bronze and Iron. The starting range of which is Rs.30 and the price goes till Rs.2500. A set of 7 bells when played together with a stick gives the sound of Sa-Re-Ga-Ma, the seven notes of the scale (swar) in Indian music.

Available at: Stall no. 7 of Utkrishtha Market of Shilpgram, Udaipur

Faces: Have a look of some very realistic and beautiful artwork by Hemchand from Abu Road, who is specialized in creating faces of men & women in traditional Rajasthani attire. This detailed work depicts the perfect persona of villagers in Rajasthan. The items are used as a show piece and its price depends upon its sizes, viz. Rs. 150/-, Rs. 200/- and Rs. 250/- for small, medium and large size respectively.

Available at: Stall no. 14 of Vividha market.

Paper Mache Boxes: Another fascinating item which is worth buying at Shilpgram is beautiful boxes of various shapes and colors, made from Paper Mache. The eye-catching tortoise, hen, duck, cat, rabbit etc. can replace your existing jewelry box or you can use it to your own creativity. Paper Mache boxes are crafted by Kashmiri craftsmen Irfan and Sarvar.

The lovely painting on the box is done by mixing the remains of the gold making process and kerosene. These boxes are valued between Rs. 80 to Rs. 150. The stall also has other items like bells and balls of Paper-Mache and Kashmiri stoles.

Available at: Stall no. 24 of Vividha market.

Colorful Vehicles: Here comes my most favorite and beautiful miniature art work which I am definitely going to purchase before the Shilpgram Utsav ends. Colorful motorbikes, bicycles, cycle-rickshaws – all made from electric wires with different colors. This impeccable work of Kamlesh Kumar from Ujjan, is attracting hundreds of people to visit his stall at Shilpgram.

One can purchase a miniature colorful motorbike for Rs.150, a cycle rickshaw for Rs.120 and a bicycle for just Rs.60. Other than these beautiful vehicles, Kamlesh also make small baskets of artificial flowers, artificial grass and flower hangings.

Available at: Stall no. 45 of Vividha market

Dry Flower: Shilpgram’s market is said to be partial if there no dry flowers from Manipur are included. Diverse varieties of dry and artificial flowers made of net; stockings; maze; coconut sticks; pine and cloth are perfect gifts forever, or probably the finest thing to be kept in your living room. These beautiful flowers are assembled and crafted by Chin from Manipur. A flower stick is priced at Rs. 10, 20 and 30.

Available at: Stall no. 41 of Vividha market

Wooden Chakki : The smallest ever Atta-Chakki made by Harkamal Singh of Hoshiarpur, Punjab is a major attraction too. The traditional stone chakki, which had been used in grinding cereal in old times is now made in a wooden form. These chakki’s are decorated with painting done by enamel colors. The cost of each Chakki is Rs. 150.

Available at: Stall no. 4 of Utkrishtha market

There are many more such items and we leave it to our readers to visit and check them out.