Four-day carpet expo in Varanasi from Oct 17

Lucknow, Oct 14 (IANS) The India Carpet Expo, the country's only fair for handmade carpets and floor coverings will begin Oct 17 in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, an official said Tuesday.

The four-day carpet expo being organised by the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) is a central government initiative to promote Indian rugs.

According to CEPC chairman Ashok Jain, on display will be various types of oriental and contemporary hand-knitted and hand-tufted carpets, as well as flat weaves made of wool, silk and staple fibre from Bhadohi-Mirzapur, Jaipur, Agra, Panipat and Kashmir.

Over 200 exhibitors would be showcasing their products in the upcoming event.

CEPC is expecting to generate business of over Rs.5 billion (Rs.500 crore) from the show, Jain said.