In a bid to promote the art of pottery and clayware, Lucknow has organised the UP Mati Kala Board’s maiden exhibition at Khadi Bhawan in Dalibagh. This is a one-stop store for all your Diwali shopping requirements. From cups to home decor like flower pots, vases, idols of Ganesh and Laxmi to designer diyas and other decorative items, this fest has a lot of pretty things for you!
Lucknow Mati Kala festival has been organised with a simple objective of providing a platform to the artisans and workers, engaged in the art of pottery. Arranged just before Diwali, this festive exhibition does not only boost the sale of items made of clay but also encourages the artisans who have gathered from various state districts in Lucknow to keep this art alive.
The Art of Pottery
As is evident from the name, Mati Kala Mela is a celebratory display of the commodities handcrafted by artisans across Uttar Pradesh from clay and pottery. Craftsman from about 15 state districts are exhibiting their skill and talent via their products. This exhibition is spread across the ground and first level of the Khadi Bhawan and about 30 stalls displaying different commodities and products are set up here.
Besides the products from different states, like- Azamgarh district’s black pottery to Khurja’s earthen utensils, Gorakhpur’s terracotta, and clay wares from Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Pilibhit, Ayodhya, the festival also has a dedicated stall depicting the live demonstration of the process of pottery before the audience! So while at the festival, you can the entire process, from initial phase of modelling to the final baking stage, with the help of electricity fuelled motors and other equipment.
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The fare has managed to attract the attention of the visitors to the dying art of pottery and towards the urgency to use upgraded and improvised machines to keep the art alive with the evolving times. The state government has also shown its support to the craft and helped in creating standardized moulds to prepare same sized idols of Ganesh Laxmi and other commodities such as earthen lamps. Assistance in training artisans to properly use these moulds for better results was also provided by the governmental authorities.
Visitors’ safety has been well prioritised and right at the entry gates, banners detailing the COVID-19 guidelines and Help Desk information have been put up. People are allowed on the premises of the exhibition only after sanitised themselves and go through a thermal test. Other norms of social distancing and wearing face masks have also been imposed here to ensure minimum infection through direct contact.
Knock Knock
We urge all Lucknowites to visit this festival, which is going on currently and will be held until a day before Diwali, i.e. November 13. We must express our gratitude and extend our support to these artisans for preserving and practicing the skill of pottery. The Mati Kala Mela is a step towards supporting home-grown artists and products which are being cultured in the heart of the nation and you must definitely show your presence to show your support!
