Do you believe in supporting local arts and crafts (before going global) and sustainable fashion? Because if you do, we don't have to advocate the lifestyle of being mindful, environment-friendly, health-conscious and — going a lil further — living a life of value, to you!

So head to the ongoing One District One Product (ODOP) Exhibition in Lucknow, and be a part of the 10-day gala full of creations by local artisans. Taking place right now at the Awadh Shilp Gram, the fair has an array of vibrant indigenous products on display, which are trademark symbols of various districts across Uttar Pradesh.

The fair aims at uplifting local artisans and craftsmen and provide them an audience. Removing all kinds of barriers such as religion, caste, creed, community and region, the state government is hosting these artistes from various rural areas, tribal groups, and so on, here. The stalls given to them are free of cost (and so is the entry for us, by the way).

From polished wooden products and furniture from Saharanpur, renowned Chikankari and Zardozi from Lucknow, delicious Amla from Pratapgarh, authentic leather products from Kanpur, well-made sports goods from Meerut to genuine Black salt rice from Siddharthnagar, brass products from Moradabad, delicate pottery from Khurja, special Terracotta products of Gorakhpur, the fair has everything ideal that you can imagine!

So, let's talk about some of the skilled people you're gonna meet here. Let's paint a picture for you, shall we? While you stroll along the corridors of the beautiful arch-like Awadh Shilp Gram, you might bump into Afsar Ali. Ali makes and sells unique bells (ghantiya used in Banaras, Nashik, Goa and even Nepal) in brass. You can also find ghungroos in the range of ₹50-500.

Oh, and, for all the Indie lovers, authentic Indie block-printed kaftaans, palazzos, dresses and jumpsuits are also available under ₹1,000 at Sujit Kumar's stall from Farukkabad.

Another stall that you need to check out is Puneeta Bhatnagar's work. She offers extremely detailed and cost-effective (starting at merely ₹100) hand-stitched products like cute hand-bags, bangle (with foam) bags, and more. She hails from Hussainganj, where other women are taught to make the products, thus, contributing very much to the noble cause of women upliftment.

Talking about women empowerment, Chiddo Rana, accompanied by Janki, from Lakhmipur Kheri creates resplendent daris, hats and baskets from jute. You will also get lovely handmade fans here. The duo comes from a rural forest area near Dudhwa National park.

As you explore this massive festive haat, you will also find that Banaras' Rajodi is showcasing a magnificent range of Banarasi and Chanderi silk sarees (starting at ₹ 1,200) for the Lucknow shoppers.

Moreover, the Sapna Gramodyog Seva Samiti here is offering snacks (like chips, kachri, chana) and biscuits made by the inmates of Lucknow Jail. And a plethora of indigenous pickles and ayurvedic medicines only add to the glory of the fair.

Currently, the fair is experiencing less footfall due to the lack of promotion done and here's the time when we can and should join the clarion call of 'vocal for local' to shower our local artisans with love. So, are you in!?

Establishing the hunar of these local craftsmen and artisans, exhibitions like these not only give employment opportunities to the needy but talented, but also promote local culture. And we're, as always, all for it!

Where: Awadh Shilp Gram, Sector 9, Amar Shaheed Path, Awadh Vihar Yojna, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226029

When: Till October 2, 10 AM - 9 PM