FARIDABAD, Haryana: The Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which began here on February 1, is the largest crafts fair in the world that offers a platform for national and state awardee craftspersons, weavers and artistes to showcase their talent. The Mela has become so popular that international craftpersons and their promoting States vie to take part in it.
Among the main attractions were Theme State Chhattisgarh’s crafts made from terracotta, brass, wood, bamboo and wrought iron leave one spellbound.
Known for its bell metal items, there is an elephant weighing one quintal priced at Rs 1.5 lakhs. They say that this intricately crafted bell metal elephant took about one-and-a-half months and 15 men and five women to make it.
Chhattisgarh Apex Handloom Federation and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) presented a grand evening celebrating the rich textiles and heritage of Chhattisgarh-‘Amber Mandaar – Vastra from Divine Land’, a unique fashion show.
The models sashayed down the ramp clad in western wear collection, a conglomeration of Western minimalism and the indigenous hand woven craftsmanship of Chhattisgarh. The collection spelt out how the exquisite fabrics shaped into urbanized silhouettes can be adapted as smart semi-formals.
Lebanon, the Partner Nation of the Mela, celebrated its National Day at the Fair. Lebanese artistes presented cultural performances based on popular folklores of Lebanon. Confident gyrating moves on beats of drums and white flags waving was the hallmark of the dance troupe’s presentation.
Russia’s mythical connection
A troupe from Russian Federation presented Ramayana in the form of a puppet show at Chaupal. Tells Olga, the instructor of the group, “We are a group of 10 and specialize in this form of dance where we hide ourselves behind a sheet and use our handmade big size puppets to perform. These performances need proper hand movements to coordinate the action of the puppets.”
It is their first time at the Mela and they are enjoying all the attention. Adds Olga, “People are appreciating our dance style known as Bashhort. We are very much inspired by Indian religious beliefs and that is why, we choose to enact the story Ramayana through our puppets.”
A splash of color and verve was spread out at Chaupal when the Telangana artistes danced in trance to the rhythmic beats of drums in honor of Goddess while balancing pots on their heads. A well-built man with turmeric smeared on his body, wearing bells near ankles danced to the enthralling music, lashing his whip and other men dancing in a unique style.
The name of famous Mongolian emperor Chinghis Khan rings a bell. At FC 26, wall hangings, key chains, pouches and cushion covers bear a stamp of the emperor and the other symbols representing the country’s nationalistic sentiments.
Clad in Mongolian headgear and outfit, Ichhi welcomes you at the Mongolian stall and shares that every product prepared in Mangolia is dedicated to Chinghis Khan.
Royal carpets of Afghanistan
The carpets of Afghanistan are a rage at the Mela. Mohammad Jaan, a regular at Surajkund Mela for last 7 years, says that the handmade carpets are weaved mainly by women back in Afghanistan. Adds Jaan, “The older the carpet, the more expensive it is. Our carpets are completely handmade from sheep and camel wool and only natural colors are used. It takes 40 days to 9 months to make one carpet which are priced from Rs 4,000 to Rs 1.5 lakhs.
Helicopter rides
Helicopter rides are a big fad this time. Pawan Hans Ltd. is offering continuous helicopter rides from the helipad located opposite hotel
Rajhans at Surajkund. Lot of families along with children are simply enjoying the helicopter rides at Rs 2000 per person.
Wooden boxes from Syria are intricately designed. Side tables and trays are made from walnut wood with inlay work on them. Mohammed Dib Ajaj from Damasucs, Syria, says “These boxes in all shapes and sizes have been designed with utmost perfection and are priced at pocket friendly rates from Rs 800-2200”.
Handmade beauties
Vibrant hand-painted flower vases, ceramic dolls, tea pots, cups and coasters from Vietnam are popular at the Mela. Tells Shuong, the Vietnamese craftsperson, says “We have got our specialties at the Mela from hand painted lampshades to our traditional dresses and silken stoles.”
India Post News Service
