INVC NEWS
Chandigarh,
The 29th Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad has set a record of sorts with 9.25 lakh visitors coming to see the Mela up to 13th February in comparison to last year when about 9 lakh people had come to see the Mela till this date.
In this regard, Smt Sumita Misra, Chief Administrator, Surajkund Mela Administration & Managing Director, Haryana Tourism Corporation, said that this time the increased foreign participation of 20 countries and added attractions like helicopter ride have evoked a great response. Visitors are enjoying the Mela to the fullest. She also shared that this time more than 194 foreign artisans and artistes are participating in the Mela this year.
She also shared that this time more than 70 per cent of the craftspersons are national and state awardees and besides which 13 heritage craft stalls have been set up. The business done by the craftspersons has been stupendous and sea of spectators kept a date with the Mela on 14th February, be it Chhattisgarh gate or Chuapal or international pavilion and Food Court, every place was brimming full with crowds.
Surajkund International Crafts is undoubtedly one of the biggest crafts fair in the world where visitors get to enjoy an amalgamation of different cultures, crafts and cuisines.
Woodcraft artisans draw buyers at Surajkund Mela
Ornate carvings and designs can make even lifeless pieces of wood come alive. This can be gauged from the buyers and curious bystanders swarming the stalls displaying woodcraft items including furniture from Assam teak at Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Faridabad. The collection of wood furniture includes drawers, big size vases, chairs, tables, dressing tables, mirror frames, hangings, sofa, dining tables, flower pots( small and big), jhulas and stands.
Vahid Hasan from Saharanpur at this stall in Zone 2, says, “We make intricate designs on all our wood items that are attracting visitors. People at the Mela are buying everything from small wood items like pens and key rings to big size sofa sets and jhulas.”
Since 2008, they have been regularly coming to this Mela and get excellent response for their products. “In the last couple of days, our furniture is selling like hot cakes, as we have priced it atreasonable rates and people appreciate our craftsmanship.”
Crafting Tunes!
Wood can be crafted to make musical instruments and Bobbili Veena, a famous instrument also known as Saraswati Veena is on display at Workhut no. 571. S.A. Narayana from Andhra Pradesh is showcasing wooden music instruments like guitar, veena, tabla and flute cast in detailed fashion. These musical instruments are available in miniature as well as actual sizes; price range varies from Rs. 200 – Rs. 3000. Tells Narayana, “This is my third time in the Mela and both domestic and international visitors appreciate my art and buy these instruments.”
Soft toys, a rage on Valentine day
The vibrant colours of the Mela added to the charm of the Valentine Day celebrations. Soft toys and artificial flowers were hot picks of the day. Rajbala selling soft toys at stall no. 507, shared that she has been a regular at the Mela for the last 15 years, and that the stuffed toys in form of teddy bears, hearts, dolls, dogs, elephant and pillows made from long & medium fur and velvet. These are in great demand and youngsters buy them in all sizes. The best part is that these soft toys are stuffed with high quality fibre and these are prepared keeping in mind the choice of the buyers. On Valentine’s Day, she did a business of over Rs 75,000.
