If you love handcrafted items, then Lokotsav is one exhibition you really should check out.
Lokotsav is a folk festival, organized by the Department of Art and Culture in collaboration with the West Zone Culture Center, Udaipur. The annual event is currently underway at Kala Academy, Panjim.
The festival is showcasing talented artisans, craftsmen and artists from all around the country. Here are a few Goan stalls that one can visit while they are at Lokotsav.
Stall No. 32
If you are craving Goan sweets or need some Goan masalas, then do drop by stall number 32, owned by Yashshri Govind Vernkar. At the stall, you will find a lot of homemade sweets, dried spices and masalas on display.
Vernkar says that she herself prepares the masalas and sells them on a small scale locally. The sweets are priced from ₹ 50 onwards, while the masalas are priced at ₹ 260.
Stall No. 49
Looking to buy traditional Goan kunbi sarees, jute bags or locally produced wellness products, then you have to stop by stall number 49, which has locally loomed kunbi sarees that are being sold under the banner of 'Parambarai – The Traditional taste of Goa'.
Currently, there's a Lokotsav sale where you can get a kunbi saree, jute laptop bag and shawl, all for just ₹ 3,500.
You will also find a wide range of locally products like turmeric, garam masala and more, sold under the brand name of 'OORJA Wellness'.
Two stores of the brand are locally placed -- one in Panjim and another in Margao. Do drop by stall number 49 if you are looking for kunbi sarees and wellness products.
Stall No. 51
Incense sticks, dhoop and incense cones in different fragrances such as rose, jasmine and more can be found at the exhibition. The incense sticks are handmade by Pranita Kandolkar.
Incense sticks are priced from ₹ 90 onwards. Do drop by the stall if you are in search of some aromatic incense sticks.
Stall No. 124
Another interesting stall is the one selling earrings, bags and women's wear -- all handmade. The beautiful handmade earrings come in different colours and sizes and are priced from ₹ 50 onwards. The items are made under the banner of Women Power Padr Pio self-help group.
Sharon Rodriguese, president of the group from Navelim, South Goa, says that the idea of a self-help group is to empower women. So, drop by the stall and check out the amazing work that is up on sale.
Stall No. 306
Handcrafted women's wear, baby clothes and home interior decor (quilts, bedsheets and pillowcases) can be found at the stall run by Siya Dangui, who has a store in Margao. The products here are all stitched and designed locally.
Prices of women's wear start at ₹ 250; quilts and bedsheets start from ₹1,500; and baby clothes are priced at a minimal ₹ 50 onwards.
The last day of Lokotsav is February 8, 2023. So, make sure to don't miss all the wonderful items on sale.