Crafting traditions

To promote this thought, the 30th edition of Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2016 is being held at Surajkund, Haryana from February 1-15. 

The event, which was inaugurated by Manohar Lal, Chief Minister in Faridabad on Monday, witnessed the presence of Suresh Prabhu, Railways Minister, government of India; Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism & Culture, government of India; Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Tourism, government of India and Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority; Dr Sumita Misra, Principal Secretary to government of Haryana, Tourism Department and Vice Chairperson, Surajkund Mela authority including other important dignitaries.

A traditional welcome was extended to the Chief Minister of Haryana by Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism. Manohar Lal took a round of the Theme State-Telangana’s crafts-huts and interacted with the crafts-persons and weavers. He lighted the ceremonial lamp after visiting the international area and Apna Ghar, Haryana. 

Sumita Misra, Principal Secretary of Haryana, Tourism Department and Vice Chairperson, Surajkund Mela Authority, extended a hearty welcome to Chief Minister, Haryana and expressed gratitude towards all the present dignitaries for being a part of the Mela. 

Dr Misra stated that the government of India initiatives like ‘Digital India’, ‘Beti Bachhao Beti Padhao’ and ‘Swatch Bharat’ are being followed in principle at the Mela. 

She added that there is a Mela mobile application under the name Surajkund Mela that can be downloaded for free and Mela tickets are available online, free shuttle service is available to the Mela from places in the vicinity and more public conveniences have also been added.  

Suresh Prabhu, Railways Minister, government of India expressed happiness that this Mela is a symbol of pride and has brought great repute for the state of Haryana. Suresh Prabhu further added that the official website of Indian Railways (irctc.com) is very popular and is now in the process to market handicrafts and offer craftsmen a global market.  

Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Tourism, government of India stated that Surajkund International Crafts Mela has given impetus to tourism sector in totality. 

Zutshi further stated that Japan and China’s association with the Mela gels with the agreements that India has signed with both China and Japan on increasing exchange of visitors.

Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism & Culture, government of India said that the Surajkund International Crafts Mela has attained the status of being an international calendar event.

Sharma also complimented the efforts of the state of Haryana to boost its tourism by identifying the Krishna circuit and reviving sacred river Saraswati.

Ram Bilas Sharma, Tourism Minister, Haryana stated that the participation from 23 countries in the 30th edition of Surajkund International Crafts Mela signifies the growing importance of this Mela that offers an ideal platform for the hardworking clan of craftspersons. 

The inauguration ceremony of the Mela also saw enthralling performances being presented by Haryanavi dancers.

One look at the Cherial scroll painters from Telangana stationed outside their state’s Apna Ghar creating amazing masks, paintings and decoration plates will catch the eyeballs of every visitor at the Mela. 

D Vaikuntam Nakash, national merit awardee, practicing the Cherial art said: “This art dates back to the 15th century and these paintings are prepared by only Nakashi caste people in Telangana. These paintings are unique pictorial presentation of numerous tales from Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana and the various Indian Puranas.”

The technique of these paintings is unique, added Nakash, “The painting is drawn on khadi cloth while the mask is made on the coconut shell. The processing of both is same which involves applying a paste of tamarind seed along with a tree gum and white clay. 

“Once it dries, the artist draws the outline using a squirrel haired brush in a phased manner. The striking red colour fills the background and the colour of the face and skin is decided by nature of the character like blue and yellow for Gods and Goddesses respectively.”

The artists from Turkmenistan are for the first time showcasing their masterpieces at Surajkund International Crafts Mela. Dursunosolmaz, an artist from Turkmenistan, said: “This fair is an interesting place for all countries to come together to showcase their folk art and traditions. I have got vases and curios, hand-painted with ceramic colours and glazed to perfection.” 

Her works are inspired from life and most of her creations have human faces painted on them.