For some pure silk

Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI) has organised the 'Silk Mark Expo' 2011 in the city, with the main aim at educating and exposing silk weavers from across the country to the current consumer market. The exhibition brings together weavers and traders from 14 states across the country, including four of our very own.The exhibition also aims at educating the consumer about the quality assurance mark (2004) which indicates to the consumer the purity of silk and the varieties of pure silk produced in different parts of the country.The exhibition has four types of silk on display: Mulberry, Tassar, Eri and Muga. What makes the display a better choice to choose from is the silk testing counter that measure the quality of the silk. With quick tips on how to recognise silk-types and maintaining sarees for a better shelf-life, there something for everyone, even if you don't shop.The wide variety of silks available are priced between Rs 1,500 to Rs 80,000, with Tassar and Mulberry priced on the higher side. Some of the local traders included Sri Mallikarjuna Silk sarees and Sri Avanti handlooms from Madanapalle and Hyderabad respectively, who specialise in Kanchi pattu and Uppada sarees, opined that the exhibition stands as a platform to showcase their harwork and also receives good response.'The better part about the exhibition is not only the variety offered but also the facility to check the quality of the product which you wish to purchase,” adds Gangadhar Rao, a customer. The weavers exhibition is on till December 27 at at Sri Satya Sai Nigamagamam.