Bangalore:
What makes thousands of Bangaloreans get out of their homes on a lazy Sunday and gather at one spot in the city? No, not a political rally or a rock show or a mega sale at a mall. It was time for the annual Chitra Sante, an art fair that is a highlight of the Bangalore winter. The fair, in its eleventh year, is organised by the state-government run Chitrakala Parishat. It is held on the Parishat premises, and spills out in colourful profusion to the roads all around it.
More than 1,300 artists from 19 states around the country took part in this art mela. They brought their work to display it and also to sell it directly to the public without the intervention and costs of middlemen.
One of the participating artists, Rachna, told NDTV, "(This is a) fabulous idea. Artists can meet with people and directly sell their work. They don't need galleries or any other mediators to do this."
Another artist, Gangadhar, came all the way from north Karnataka's Gulbarga to sell his work.
The president of the Chitrakala Parishat, BL Shankar, hoped that two lakh people would visit the sante. He told NDTV, "It is a direct contact between the artist and the art buyer. This is unique exhibition in the entire country. It is an opportunity for all the upcoming artists to show their work and also for the buyers. Without any middlemen or commission, they can buy from the artist.
Karnataka's chief minister K Siddaramaiah, who opened the fair, echoed that sentiment. He told the media,"This is a golden opportunity for artists to meet art lovers and also to sell their work."
And the public certainly enjoyed the annual mela this year as well. One man who has been visiting the fair for the last six years said, "We wish it continues forever. Both are encouraged, the artist and the viewer."
Another first time visitor told us, "This is the first time that am visiting here. We have been to art exhibitions and fairs around the country and we are really proud that this is happening in Namma Bengaluru."
The roads leading to the Chitrakala Parishat were all closed to traffic - it was right of way only for art, artists and art lovers, as Bangaloreans proved they really love their art.