Diverse traditional dance forms as well as different traditions, arts and crafts of the country are being witnessed at the ongoing Chandigarh National Crafts Mela.
Cocooned in cultural activities, enthusiasm, grace, rituals, the fifth edition of National Crafts Mela is bringing forth the cultural ethos of the county expressed in form of various dances.
The dance forms namely Purulia Chhau from Jharkhand; Dhol Cholam/Pong Cholam, Thangta from Manipur; Banchari, Been Jogi, Ghoomar, Phag from Haryana; Jabro, Rouf from Jammu & Kashmir; Ka-Shad Mastieh from Meghalaya; Nachar, Gatka — Martial Art, Bazigars, Gidha, Bhangra from Punjab; luddi, Jhoomar, Malwai Gidha, Malwai Gidha from Rajasthan, Machi Dance from Daman & Diu, Dandia, Dhal Talwar Raas, Daangi, Sidhi Dhamal, Tarpa from Dadra & Nagar Haveli; lavni Dance, Songi Mukhawte, lezim & Koli Dance from Maharashtra, Dekhni Nritya from Goa, Sirmouri Nati from Himachal Pradesh, Chapeli from Uttarakhand, Bihu/Raas leela from Assam are being performed by various dance groups at the Crafts Mela every day.
Over 500 dance artistes are showcasing Indian folk dances during the Crafts Mela. The annual Chandigarh National Crafts Mela at Kalagram is a joint venture of the UT Administration and North Zone Cultural Centre and this year, focusses to showcase folk traditions, arts and crafts of the western States of India.
The fifth edition of Chandigarh National Crafts Mela which will culminate on Saturday, has been pulling huge crowds for shopping and enjoyment. In last seven days, the Kalagram grounds were jam-packed with enthusiastic art lovers, foreign tourists and school students.