Thaindian News

Chandigarh, Oct 24 (IANS) A replica of the grand Sanchi Stupa, thatched village huts with Madhubani paintings on the walls, Shikaras and craftspersons displaying their artistry: welcome to the Chandigarh National Crafts Mela, which kicked off here Saturday.
The 10-day mela, organised on the lines of Haryana’s renowned Surajkund Mela, is being held at Kalagram, the cultural hub of Chandigarh. The administration is expecting around 400,000 visitors to the first edition of the fair.

The venue is buzzing with activity with hundreds of artistes, dressed in their best traditional attire, and speaking in their dialects, gathered from across the country.

The venue has been given an ethnic look with the entrance gate decorated with terracotta designs, a replica of the Sanchi Stupa just inside, a traditional village made of mud huts and Shikaras, the traditional boats that ply on Srinagar’s Dal Lake. Jammu and Kashmir is the theme state of the mela.

Around 150 craftsmen and artisans and nearly 300 performing artistes have gathered here to showcase their talent.

“We would like to make this mela an annual event and I am sure it will surpass all other similar events in the country in the next few years,” secretary home-cum-cultural affairs Ram Niwas told reporters here Saturday.

There will be a fashion show, food festivals and folk dances as well as a singing competition among the city youngsters, said Niwas, who is also vice-chairman of the mela.

Various hotels and restaurants will offer discounts during the next 10 days. A special bus service has been started from various locations in Chandigarh to the mela venue.

UT administrator S.F. Rodrigues inaugurated the mela Saturday. The tickets are priced at a nominal Rs.5, while students and those below 18 will be allowed free.