6th National Crafts Mela offers ‘Colours and Sounds of North India'

6th National Crafts Mela offers ‘Colours and Sounds of North India'

MUNISH DHIMAN  19th Nov 2014

Amidst a mosaic of captivating performances by artistes from across the region, the sixth edition of the annual Chandigarh National Crafts Mela went off to a colourful start at Kalagram, Chandigarh, here this Friday. Organised under the aegis of Chandigarh Administration and North Zone Cultural Centre, Union Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the scintillating performances offered an extravaganza of folk music and folk dances of north India. The 10-day-long national mela, which offers a sneak peek into the composite cultural heritage of the country, it has a lot more in store for the demanding city audience on each day. Each event has a specific theme to drive home, which remains the essence of this unique cultural mélange, so aptly presented by the artistes in myriad hues mirroring the fast-vanishing folk-lore and rich traditions of the country. This year's theme is 'Colours and Sounds of North India', that will see thousands of enthusiasts drawn from the far-flung areas of the region to be part of the rare cultural fare. Speaking about the mela, Dr. Rajinder Singh Gill, Director NZCC, Patiala, told Guardian20, "This platform, besides offering an opportunity for artists and craftsmen to showcase their talent, affords an opportunity for the art-loving audience to come and taste the cultural fragrance from various states of India set in a typical rural ambience." Designed on the Surajkund Crafts Mela model, the Chandigarh Craft Mela has made its presence felt in the art and culture scene by providing a platform to the talented artists of the country who exhibit their winsome creations before the art lovers here. Every year weavers, artists, painters, sculptors and craftsmen from all over the country participate in the event and showcase their inherent talent and craftsmanship. Besides showcasing the arts and crafts it also acts as a cultural platform where customs and traditions of various regions of India are showcased. "Food section here has always been a hotspot for the foodies, which is a unique feature of the Mela. This year we held an open auction for renting out the food stalls, just to ensure the quality, hygiene, service, besides the authentic aroma and varied culinary flavours of rich Indian cuisines for different parts of the country," Gill added. All the past editions of the Mela held here at Kalagram had been huge success and registered a huge footfall, with the art-lovers pouring in from across the city and the neighbouring states, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pardesh, et al. The scene offers a typical rural metaphor. A spectrum of stalls put up here at the mela venue, the haunting folk-songs and dances, a rich musical fare and the engaging performances by folk artistes turns out to be a day to remember for those visiting. More than 250 folk artistes and dancers from the far-off areas are invited especially to add zing to the cultural extravaganza. Besides performances by the dance troupes and other performers participation of more than 140 master craftsmen and 150 artisans makes it a must visit rare cultural event. The Mela is on till November 23, 2014 at Kalagram, Manimajra, Chandigarh. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/6th-national-crafts-mela-offers-colours-and-sounds-of-north-india