The visitors at Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2015 are witnessing a unique combination of Chhattisgarh’s folk tradition and handicraft in Haryana. The visitors are not only attracted by the folk art but also mesmerized by the folk music of the State, officials stated.
The Surjakund Mela is giving the traditional feel of all the States while the handicrafts of 18 countries are a big draw. The officials said that the Madai Mela of Kanker and Bastar is a centre of attraction for the visitors. The Kosa sarees of Raigarh and Jangir-Champa are demanded by the visitors from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana.
The visitors are tempted by the earthen ‘Tawa’ sold at the stall of Shivmangal Chakradhari of Balrampur. He sells terracotta items at his stall but the earthen ‘Tawa’ and earthen ‘Kadhai’ have become popular among the visitors, housewives in particular.
Rekha of Kalkaji (Delhi) said that the earthen Tawa works like a miniature Tandoor as the taste of chapati baked on the earthen Tawa is similar to that prepared on a Tandoor. Shivmangal said that his family is preparing earthen utensils for two generations. They have been experimenting in preparing utensils and artifacts.
He said that he has been felicitated for his work on several occasions. The earthen Tawa and earthen Kadhai costs Rs 120 each. Notably, besides promoting the various tourist destinations of Chhattisgarh, the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (CTB) is also showcasing cultural and traditional cuisines of the State.
The Chhattisgarh Handicrafts Development Board is looking after the theme-based decoration of area allotted at the exhibition venue.
The Board, in association with the Exhibition Authority has erected a permanent gate there at the exhibition venue. This gate symbolizes the historical, religious and other important monuments of Chhattisgarh.
The Directorate of Archaeology had prepared replication of important monuments in Chhattisgarh State. likewise, the Forest Department had put up a stall of forest-based medicines at the venue. The CTB which had been promoting tourism through the rich folk culture of the State had also drawn up ambitious plans to develop India’s biggest ‘Eco-tourism hub’ in the State, officials stated.
It has already received a Rs 113.5 crore project prioritization go ahead from the Union Ministry of Tourism to take its plans forward. The CTB, under the aegis of the Chhattisgarh Government has created a blue-print of future tourism plans that will help establish Chhattisgarh as India’s biggest ‘Eco-Tourism hub.’
Based on the fact that Chhattisgarh is blessed with 80% bio-diversity and a melange of natural abundance tops in natural tourism where three national parks, 11 wildlife sanctuaries, more than 30 significant waterfalls, abundant caves and untouched natural topography , the CTB seeks to promote tourism in the State at an international level through its ambitious future plans, officials stated.
State Minister for Culture and Tourism, Ajay Chandrakar, had remarked : “Chhattisgarh is a vibrant State which now looks forward towards developing Tourism as one of its richest assets. Based on quality plans and forward looking measures, our aim is to take tourism in Chhattisgarh to millions of national and international tourists while grooming the State in welcoming new tourist arrivals.’
Once implemented, the go-getting tourism development plans will help in developing the essential eco-tourism in the area, and will enable Chhattisgarh build up as India’s biggest eco-tourism hub, one with probably the biggest potential in South Asia, he said.