Showcasing the top-of-the-line products catering to various segments and strata of society, the ongoing Chandigarh National Crafts Mela is witnessing scores of admirers acknowledging and purchasing the meticulously crafted exhibits by craftsmen from South India.
The Crafts Mela which entered its eight day on Friday, was dominated by different artistes from the South Indian States at Kalagram. People from the tricity and the neighboring towns thronged the venue in big numbers and moved around the stalls — decorated and displayed with the theme-based items from the temple states.
Presented for the first time in such a huge way, the South-Indian States’ theme-based jewellery, clothes, handicrafts and cuisines are being widely appreciated by the visitors here. The national artists from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerela among other places are here to display their craftsmanship at the Crafts Mela.
At the Crafts mela, it’s a real treat to watch live demonstrations given by national awardee craftsmen of traditional and heritage crafts like Thanjavur paintings, Pattachitra. Few artists from various regions are giving live demonstration of the art forms from their respective states.
Tanjore/Thanjavur paintings demonstrations have been appreciated a lot. These paintings generally of Hindi Dieties with ornamentation in gold were traditionally used in worship 400 years ago. Colours used are generally strong. The final effect is being derived from the use of gold and setting of gems which gives the paintings an ornamental and rich look.
Endowed with rich forest cover, Andhra Pradesh is a rich resource for several types of wood carvings. An amazing stall has been put by artist B Raja Hary which has astonishing wooden masterpieces. The intricate wood work depicting Hindu mythological stories and figures in great detail have been carved out on teak and rose wood.
At another corner, live demonstration of Orissa’s “Patachitra” is also happening at Kalagram. It is usually made on palm leaf and depicts the mythological stories. It has a theme of deities as its subject. The stall has excellent collection of masterpieces in the form of Palmleaf puppet, Dhokra, paper masks, Ganjapa/playing cards. Goods made of palm leaf engraving are admired by the visitors at the Crafts Mela.
Besides this, there are daylong performances staged by renowned folk artistes. NZCC has invited around 300 folk dancers and folk instrumentalists including folk singers from all over the country to perform at the Crafts Mela everyday.With theme ‘Colours & Sound of North India’ this year, the ten days long Crafts Mela will conclude on Sunday.