Cultural extravaganza

A combination of rich culture, creative art forms, foot tapping music and vibrant colours that represent the essence of the country, has embellished the ongoing Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2016 organised by Haryana Tourism. The Mela, which is being held from February 1-15, offers sumptuous cuisines, intricately designed handicrafts and a glitzy display of handlooms. Apart from this, theme based stalls and various events have been organised to provide an unforgettable experience to the visitors.

A pulsating performance by popular Punjabi singers Jassi Gill and Babbal Rai enthralled the audience on Friday. The Chaupal was packed to full capacity with youngsters enjoying every song being belted out by the duo. 

The audience thoroughly enjoyed the reverberating performance of the Punjabi singers that lasted for over one and a half hour while the youngsters could not resist shaking a leg on their tunes.    

On Sunday, ‘Best Dressed Couple’ and ‘Made for Each Other’ competitions would be organised at the main Chaupal of Surajkund International Crafts Mela. The participants were adjudged on basis of their age groups.

A stall with the theme of 'Best From Waste' has been set up by Dharti Ma Trust, Faridabad, which is focusing on protecting and making environment clean. B.S. Bisht, who is the president of the trust, is managing the stall along with his wife, where they are selling items made from discarded and waste material.

“We have brought flower vases, wall hangings, baskets, trays, bird nests, slippers and coasters made out of waste materials, clothes and polythene bags. Our motto is to protect Mother Nature and keep surroundings clean. We collect waste materials from houses and factories to make these items,” said Bisht.  

These items are made by physically-challenged artisans and women, mostly housewives. These have been made very creatively with the minutest of details being highlighted very carefully. 

Simply Glassic from Delhi has exhibited a vibrant range of artistic creations at the Mela. Artist Harjeet Kaur has designed the collection of designer vases, handpainted mirrors, hanging lights, floating candle holders, cutlery holders, serving trays and so on, at the Mela.  

Harjeet said: “Right from choosing the appropriate kind of glass to designing and painting the products and supplying them to retailers, all has been done single handedly.” Every piece is handcrafted with exclusive designs and colors which is truly unique to that piece. 

“The motifs, variegated in subject matter, all unique and individual in character are first outlined. They are then painted using special paints. These paintings enhance the look of showpieces, platters, wall hangings, etc.", added Harjeet.

Shuttl company in collaboration with Haryana Tourism Corporation Ltd. is providing free Shuttl services from Tughlakabad and Sarai metro stations to the Surajkund International Crafts Mela. It’s a joint initiative that has eased commuting for the visitors. 

Shuttl also organised a street play, ‘An hour for earth’, on February 7 with the aim to create public awareness about environmental issues. Students from various colleges of DU participated in it.