The mela has been organised by Kala Madhyam. The heritage and legacy, that some of us have left behind, finds a new definition at the mela. Ethinic handloom, earings, shawls, soaps and candels, lamps and much more are available at the mela at quite reasonable prices.
The fair promotes traditional art, many of the things put up for sale there are handmade by tribals, associations, weavers or artisans who have been involved in making that art for ages. These people are very knowledgable about their heritage, it can be a nice experience to walk upto them and know more about their art.
Various states like West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh have come to showcase traditional art like Madhubani, Warli, Dokra et al.
One of the hot favourites seemed to be a stall, amongst the first few, that had Dokra tribal art on display. Even today, tribals make these products and the price ranges between as low as Rs 50, for a earing, to as much as Rs 5000.
There are a few jute stalls too. One can find petite shoes, similar to the kolahpuris but made up of jute, bags, folders, lamp shades, wallets etc. The stuff here is not very expensive. These are generally made by village artisans and are a part of the small scale industries.
One of the most expensive and most exquisite stalls here is a Manipuri stall. It also displays tribal art and has the most beautiful mugs, cups, kettle, coffee trays etc. One cannot pass by the stall without noticing these.
A petite stall put up by artists from Phirozabad is a must watch. It is a bangle fort with bangles in as many colours as you can think of. The bracelets here are also worth a watch.
Coming to handlooms section, the most popular stall here is one of shawls and stoles, set up by a weaver who has been honoured by Rashtriya Pushkar. Colourful shawls with jari are available at Rs 250, however, there are exqusite ones at Rs 3000 also.
After a soulful of handlooms, you will be welcomes to the potters village. The stall, set up on ground, has flower vase, lamps, bells, corner decoratives, tables etc brought all the way from Haryana. The stall is full of a lot innovative things that are rarely seen. The products are a result of the potters community’s creativity.
Warli, Madhubani, Pattachitra, Patua and tribals paitings from MP have also been showcased at the fair. Beautiful work on palm leaves is likely to capture viewers interest at one of the stalls. And the Habba saves the best for the last, statues displayed by one of the stalls at the end is breath taking. Take out time and see the statues of Krishna, Ganesha, Peacock and one is likely to have the taste to its beauty for a lot time.
One also gets to see wonderful performances by various states-Manipuri etc-in morning and evening in the fair. It is also a platform to promote the traditional folk.
The fair can be visited till December 4 betweem 11am to 8 pm.The fair at Chitrakala Parishad gives a break, to the artisans in terms of career and to you from the cliche.
