FARIDABAD, Haryana: The Surajkund Mela has come to occupy a place of pride and prominence on the international calendar for its display of crafts, culture and cuisine in an aesthetically created ambience. A footfall of over 10 lakh including a record number of foreign visitors was registered during 15 days of the 28th Surajkund International Crafts Mela which ended here on February 15.
Over 1,170 craftspersons participated in the Mela this year including 39 from foreign countries, 217 national and 101 state awardees. There were 214 and 112 craftspersons of DC Handicrafts and DC Handlooms respectively and 53 craftspersons from Goa. Among these participants there were 7 craftspersons who have been recipients of Shilp Guru and 10 have been bestowed with Sant Kabir honor.
The Mela has been a custodian of the dying arts and this time, a special area was created for craftspersons practising languishing arts where they showcased their talent.
About 75 foreign cultural artistes from countries like Tajikistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Ivory Coast and Sri Lanka gave enthralling performances in the Mela. About 279 cultural performers from different Zonal Cultural Centres presented folk dances of 16 Indian states throughout the Mela fortnight.
At the Food Court set up at Mela grounds, there were a number of cuisines to choose from, including Mughlai, North Western, Chinese, Continental, Italian and Sri Lankan.
Golf carts and battery operated rickshaws were available on request for facilitating the movement of senior citizens and differently-abled persons.
Goa – the theme state of the Mela for the second time after a gap of 12 years – lent a unique touch to this one-of-its-kind of an event with an impressive display of exclusive crafts, vibrant cultural performances and Carnival flavors.
The ambience of the Mela revolved around Spring highlighting Basant and the profusion of flowers, bees, colours, masks and rainbows not only accentuated the Mela environs but had a big pull factor this time.
A photography competition was held for amateurs and there were face painting, drawing, kite flying and Rangoli contests organised for schools students, which drew an overwhelming response.
Scintillating programs of renowned singers, qawwals, theater artistes and musical groups were presented at the Natyashala sponsored by theme state Goa, partner nation Sri Lanka, Cultural Affairs Department, Haryana and Surajkund Mela Authority.
Also an Exporters and Buyers Meet was organised with the help of Export Promotional Council that facilitates the possibility of exploring the business opportunities for exporters and craftspersons.
There were performances given by cultural troupes of Goa, Sri Lanka and Tajikistan at the award presentation and closing ceremony of the Mela.
India Post News Service
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