North-East India as Theme state of 2nd Chandigarh National Crafts Mela -2010

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Chandigarh,
Chandigarh Administration and North Zone Cultural Centre,(Ministry of Culture, Government of India) are all set to begin the preparations for holding the 2nd Chandigarh National Crafts Mela on vibrant notes. This annual Craft Mela will be held in the Kala Gram, Chandigarh. The review meeting at the site was held by Sh.Ram Niwas Home Secretary Chandigarh Administration today. Also present were Director NZCC, Deputy Commissioner, Director Cultural Affairs, Director Tourism, Chief Architect, SSP Security and other senior officers of Chandigarh Administration. The ten days festival is scheduled to be held from October 26th till November 4th. North East India will be the Theme state of Chandigarh Crafts Meal this year. The NZCC is creating a whole new village which will have the features of the eight States comprising the contiguous states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

Designed on the pattern of Surajkund Mela, Chandigarh Crafts Mela is expecting a footfall of about ten Lac domestic as well as international Tourists this year. More than 200 artisans, national and state awardees in their respective fields, and over 300 folk dancers from across the country will participate. Vibrant stalls, dance performances by folk artistes, mouth-watering cuisines, melodies streaming from musical instruments and breathtaking artifacts from all parts of the country will be the highlights of the crafts Mela. The entry tickets will Rs 5 and Rs 10 for children and Adults respectively.

According to Sh. Ram Niwas Secretary, Culture Affairs “This year, Chandigarh Crafts Mela will witness artisans from all over India with nationally acclaimed reputation. Artists, painters, weavers, sculptors and craftsmen specializing in any form of art are participating to exhibit their talents in front of a large audience” Director, NZCC has assured that the best folk artiste representing all cultural regions will show case their art forms during the Mela. Similarly, craftsmen are being selected with the assistance of Ministry of Textile and also Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India).

Special Layout plan for the exhibitors will be prepared by the Architecture Department UT to give a unique and different look then the last year. An emphasis will be made on making exclusive huge entrances with the artwork and ethnic work of sculptures imbibed on it. The whole village will be illuminated and decorated with the appliqué work lamps to enhance its beauty.

Special musical evenings like Quawalli performance by the renowned Qwals, traditional folk dance competitions, fashion show on the theme folk attire and a special eight costumes show by the theme state i.e Eastern India and many more will be some additional attractions during the mela. Special Mask Dance of East India of Bhutan Culture resembling their kings, queens, in typical traditional costumes by the artists and their symbolic creature the Dragons will be added as a special feature in the mela this year These dances generally depicts the old stories of their Kings, Queens and their Culture and Tradition of Sikkim through dances. Also special attraction will be Bihu Songs & Dances Tribal Dance Forms.

Another attractive feature of the festival will be “Street Food Festival of India”. The Zaika of India will be brought under one roof. The special and most famous cuisine of each state like Kulche Channe, Makki ki roti,Lassi of Punjab; Aloo tikki , papari chaat, from Chandani Chowk, mutton biryani and Kebabs from Lucknow, ,Chinese food of Sikkim, Kehwa of Kashmir, dal, bati and churma of Rajasthan, , Vada pav , Belpuri ,Ghevar and Jalebi of Haryana; idli, masala dosa, vada, chakkuli, ragi rotti, jolada rotti, curry fish balls, stuffed peppers and mushrooms, and dim sum momos and soups of East India will be on the platter for the food lovers. These all are the quintessential Indian street food of these States. The chefs from the respected states will be invited to prepare these special cuisines. Beside this, there will be a special CITCO, Haryana Tourism food stalls.

East India is known for its majestic culture and royal Heritage of India specially exhibiting its bamboo and cane made decoration products. Special Naga Huts with Flaura and Fauna of East India will be some additional attractions for the visitors. The exhibitors from East India will get Handicrafts, Silk Fabrics, metal works, traditional handicrafts, weaving and pottery, basketry, pottery, wood and stone carvings, weaving carpet and painted wooden vessels, Beads, garlands & Baskets, musical instruments, fishing gear, weaving accessories and so on.