Some of the items that are selling well at the fair are hand-crafted baskets, mats, chairs, tables, lamps, furniture, jewellery, accessories and apparel.

The prominent components of the craft works are cane or bamboo.

'Northeastern India has a strong handloom and handicraft heritage. The livelihood of a large number of people is dependent on traditional handicraft heritage of the region,' said Manipuri artisan Tobnam Singh, who has been captivating art lovers with his decorative handmade flowers.

The flowers are made of palm leaves, shola wood, coral leaves, hollbell flower or other natural ingredients.

'Through our art works we want to tell the rest of India, please don't think of the northeast as a land of violence and terrorists. We have a great culture, tradition, land and people. Here, while meeting so many people, we are also telling people about the real northeast,' added Singh.

'Everyday violence is a truth about the northeast. Around 42 militant groups operate in the region. But the general population of the region opposes such mindless violence. We want peace and prosperity of the region. Artisans are together working for the cause,' said Sharmila Sharma, who is selling jute- based products in her stall.

Visitors to the fair could not stop praising the artisans.

'The bamboo-based works, mostly baskets and decorative pieces, are highly artistic. Looking at the variety and creativity of the artisans, the northeastern region looks to be a colourful and vibrant land,' said Shiva Kumar Ganapathy, a student of fashion designing.

'I have never seen such designs and craftworks. Northeast artisans are highly artistic and create magic in wood and bamboo,' said Deepika Pandey, a bank executive, while appreciating a Naga storage urn.

(Maitreyee Boruah can be contacted at m.boruah@ians.in)