13th National Craft Mela-23 Draws Multitude to Kalagram on Day 2
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, December 2, 2023:
A vibrant wave of attendees flooded Kalagram on Saturday as the tricity roads became the gateway to the Mega Crafts Mela, orchestrated by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with Chandigarh Administration.
Day Two of the 10-day-long Crafts Mela resonated with the melodies of diverse folk songs and dances from states like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, and Rajasthan. This cultural kaleidoscope showcased the timeless traditions fiercely preserved by the people.
Key stage performances featured enchanting folk dances such as Bhapang (Raj), Jagarna (J&K), Jhoomar (Pb), Pooja Kunitha (Karnataka), Pandav Nritya (UK), Gudum Baja (MP), Natua (W B), Rouff (J&K), Gotipua (Odisha), Talwar Raas (Guj), Pung Cholom/Dhol Cholom/Manipuri Raas (Manipur), Lavani (Maha), Dhamal (Har), Jindua (Pb), Rathwa (Guj), and Desert Symphony (Raj).
Mela enthusiasts, especially children, reveled in ground performances like ‘Kachi Ghori’ (Raj), Behrupiyas, Kathputli-puppet (Raj), Nachar, Baajigar (Pb), Nagada, and Been Jogis (Har), capturing moments of joy in selfies with the artists.
Artisans from diverse corners of the country showcased an array of handcrafted treasures, including designer crockery, cutlery, fabric, winter wear, artificial jewelry, carpets, rugs, mats, designer suits, sarees, Patiala ‘jutti,’ and sought-after high-end furniture.
A unique highlight of this year’s Craft Mela was the creation of an imaginary village, offering a tranquil rural escape for curious onlookers seeking respite from city crowds.
Food aficionados savored traditional cuisines from Rajasthan, Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Awadh, Hyderabad, Gujarat, and more at the 10-day fair's food court.
The day featured a special quiz contest session based on the theme of art and culture, with six students from government schools in Manimajra declared winners. The quiz will continue daily until December 10.
In the evening segment, a prominent Punjab singer captivated the audience with hours of foot-tapping numbers. Tomorrow’s performance promises to be equally enthralling with the renowned singer Lakhwinder Wadali taking the stage.