NEW DELHI, INDIA, January 31, 2008: The 22nd Surajkund Crafts Mela, slated to begin on February 1 and carry on till February 15, will feature West Bengal as its theme state after 18 years. This time, the mela will also include international participants from Afghanistan, Thailand, Nepal and other countries.
The secretary for tourism, S. Banerjee, said: “The fair provides a forum for craftsmen all over the country to meet and exchange notes. There are 350 artisans participating in this fair, 70% of whom are national award winners, so we are dealing with the very best. Moreover, folk artists from all over the country will be performing throughout the day.”
Sixty-one artisans and 120 folk artists will be participating from West Bengal itself. The culture, art and craft and potential for tourism in the state will be highlighted. Highlights include “pot chitra” or traditional rural paintings from the region, shola work, katha work and even the famous baluchari saris. Folk artists will perform dances.
The fair also intends to put focus on certain dying arts from all parts of the country, which need to be encouraged if they are to survive. These include leather puppetry and glass work from Andhra Pradesh, mother of pearl work from Bihar and “kinhal” crafts from Karnataka.
(HPI Note: The next issue of Hinduism Today brings a 16-page feature story on New Delhi’s giant State Emporia complex and its exquisite crafts.)