Chandigarh, August 27: Grand preparations are underway for the 3rd National Crafts Mela to be organised by the Chandigarh Administration and North Zone Cultural Centre at Kalagram from 8th October to 17th October. In a high level Review meeting, held under the chairmanship of the Home Secretary – cum- Secretary Cultural Affairs Sh.Ram Niwas and in the presence of Deputy Commissioner, MD CITCO, Director NZCC D.S.Saroya, Commissioner MC, Chief Engineer, Chief Architect, Director Public Relations, Director Cultural Affairs and other senior offices of Chandigarh Administration. To undertake the specific work in a coordinated manner related to the theme based 3rd National Crafts Mela infrastructure to be set at Kalgram, Various sub committees were formulated including Infrastructure committee, Publicity committee, accommodation committee, transport committee, Reception committee, Health Committee, Sanitation committee, security & Traffic Management Committee.In a site meeting, The Chief Architect apprised about the new layout plan of the 3rd Crafts Mela where the stalls shall be put up as per the layout prepared by the Architecture Department. HS informed that with the improved layout of the Craft Mela, better facilities shall be provided to the exhibitors and participants and also attract a large number of tourists from tricity, adjoining states and also across the country. It was decided that a huge entrance and exit gate on the theme South India would be set up.
‘Colours and Sounds of South India’ shall be the theme of the ‘3rd Chandigarh National Crafts Mela’ showcasing folk traditions, arts and crafts of the Southern States: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andaman & Nikobar Islands, Lakshadweep, & Pondicherry. South India is known for its diversity in terms of landscapes, people and cultures, food habits, art and architecture. This year’s special focus will be handicrafts, handlooms and folk traditions including authentic fragrances and flavours of rich Indian cuisines, and also folk music, folk instruments and folk dances.The village shall have different features depicting the rich Art, Culture and Heritage of South India. The exhibitors will display the work related to traditional clothing, cuisine, music and dance, architecture and paintings, communities and traditions etc.
This year, around 145 ethnic huts (stalls) made from bamboo will be constructed where acclaimed craftsmen preferably Shilpa Gurus and National awardees including those from Tribal areas from all the cultural regions of India will showcase handicrafts and handlooms. The main focus will be on crafts and handlooms of South Indian States. The whole village at Kalagram will bear the look of mini South India with the participation of Southern States .This ten-day mega event will witness thrilling performances by 300 artistes from various states of the country, giving a glimpse of our cultural heritage and highlighting the ‘unity in diversity’ culture of our country. In addition, about 200 national/state awardee artisans will showcase their crafts, in the aesthetically decorated huts that mark the entire ground at Kalagram.