What the hand creates

The Made in Pondy initiative threw the spotlight on brands that bank on human potential. A potter was the centre of attraction at the Made in Pondy initiative, part of the Pondicherry Heritage Festival. As Ayyappan moulded the clay and turned the wheel, adults and children alike watched open-mouthed. He patiently shaped the wet clay, sprinkled water and patted it gently till he got the desired shape. In less than 10 minutes, the blob of brown clay turned into a vessel one could pour water from, once it was fired. He had been at work since morning — in front of him was lined an array of things he’d created, including lids and vessels to cook from. 

In another stall (LAL Boutique) where you could block-print your own tee or jhola for a fee, people queued up every time someone tried their hand at blockprinting, guided by the resident printer Nazir, who hails from West Bengal. He dabbed the paint on trays stained red, black, green and orange, rubbed it in, and then dipped the block before handing it over to the chosen person. However old you are, the joy of seeing a print come alive on fabric is unparalleled.

At Upasana Design Studio’s stall, people looked lovingly at the Tsunamika dolls, created to provide a livelihood for fisherwomen. This is also a thriving example of a ‘gift economy’ — where valuables are given, not sold, and where the context is building a relationship, not making a transaction.

One thing was clear at Made in Pondy. Hand-made will always continue to draw eye-balls. Hopefully, that will also translate into a commercially-viable option. In the coming weeks, we’ll try and explore the many hand-made charms of Puducherry.

Laboratoires Senteurs

The aroma of jasmine, lavender and lotus hits you as you enter the store. On a warm weekday afternoon, it teems with tourists. Known for its colognes, which come in 20 varieties — Musk for Men, Landor, Natural, Ocean Spray…

Senteurs also makes around 30 non-alcoholic fragrances.

The enterprise began when The Mother decided to get her favourite Friction de Foucaud skin freshener made in Puducherry, instead of importing it. In the last few years, Senteurs has also added other products, such as aloe vera nourishing cream and gels, lip balms and foot creams. The health-conscious can also sample essential oil blends, such as Junisowh (said to aid stiff joints) and Soffrowh (for those with sinus-related issues and insomnia).

@ Laboratoires Senteurs, 5-7 St Gilles Street, White Town

Monday to Saturday, 9 am to noon, 2 pm to 5 pm

USP: Friction de Foucaud skin freshener

From Rs. 58 Call 04132334870