We're similar, yet a little different, say Pakistani exhibitors

Intricate carpets, ornate wall hangings, handprinted textiles...all in a melange of colours. Pakistani exhibitors are rolling out their best at an annual trade fair here and Indians are lapping it up.

"We are bringing the hardcore tradition of Pakistani culture to India. We are offering carpets and wall hangings in Kutchi prints and Sindhi work, something that is not available in India," said a representative from Maharaja Exports, Karachi who did not want his name to be given.

His firm is one of over 20 Pakistani exhibitors who are displaying their wares, mostly textiles, at the India International Trade Fair (IITF), which is on in Pragati Maidan during Nov 14-27.

"We share similar cultures but still there is a difference in interpreting things. Indians love that traditional work from Pakistan that is interpreted in our own manner," he told IANS.

Though Pakistanis are known for their penchant for pastel colours, the exhibitors here are offering bright shades too.

"People love the intricate handwork or blockprints that our country has to offer to them. Apart from that we also focus on bright and bold prints because Indians love bright colours. So we make certain changes to cater to the demand here," explained exhibitor Ziauddin Khan from Lahore.

"We are also offering tarshi work, shadow work and mukesh work to our clients and they are loving the stuff," he added.

Nidhi Arora makes sure she visits the Pakistani stalls every year at the IITF.

"I like the stuff they offer. It is so much similar to ours, but if you look closely then there is a difference. Their hand printing material is so beautiful. You can just look at it and make out that it is from Pakistan," Arora told IANS.

This year, Karachi-based Gul Ahmed Textile Mills is participating in IITF for the first time and is overwhelmed by the response it is getting from visitors.

"It's just been fantastic. Our designers are unique and India is a growing market for us," Huzaifa EssaBhai, senior merchandiser and online executive manager of Gul Ahmed, told IANS.

"We have our own team of in-house designers. Starting from the yarn to the manufacturing of the garment - we did everything in our factory.

"People in India wear salwaar-suits and we are cashing in on that market. Though our suit pieces are available online, reaching our clients directly here helps in establishing a connection," he added.

At the Gul Ahmed stall, one can get suit pieces in cotton and silk for Rs.700-1,200.

Khoula Naeem, another exhibitor from Lahore who has been exhibiting at IITF for seven years now, says he feels India is like home.

"We share similar cultures. It's just different techniques and colour combinations that make a difference. Every time I come here, I feel as if I am in Pakistan," said Naeem who is offering handprinted suit-pieces.

Her suit-pieces start from Rs.3,000.

(Shilpa Raina can be contacted at shilpa.r@ians.in)

Last updated on Nov 18^th, 2009 at 13:04 pm IST--IANS