The 10th annual Chandigarh National Crafts Mela, jointly organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh Administration and North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), was inaugurated on Friday.

Showcasing the diversity of handicrafts, handlooms and fabrics of our country, the Mela was formally inaugurated at Kalagram by Arun Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary Home and Cultural Affairs. Those present during the opening ceremony were Jitender Yadav, Director Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh Administration and Saubhagya Vardhan, Director North Zone Cultural Centre.

Being organized from 9th-18th November, on the theme of “South Central Zone”, the Crafts Mela  also adds musical and rhythmic element to the event by bringing together large number of national folk artists and cultural groups.

The Art Forms that will be showcased during the Crafts Mela are Lavni from Maharashtra, Badhai from Madhya Pradesh, Panthi from Chhattisgarh, Lambadi from Andhra Pradesh, Mathuri from Telangana, Goti Pua from Oddisha, sidhi Dhamal from Gujarat, Bardoi shikhla from Assam, Tamag Selo from Sikkim and  Mewasi from Gujarat.

Besides this, Himachali Gidha from Himachal Pradesh, Dogri Dance from Jammu & Kashmir, Chakri Dance from Rajasthan, Thadiya Chufla from Uttrakhand, Phag/Ghoomer from Haryana, Sammi/Bhangra from Punjab. Apart from these there would be ground performances of Been Jogi from Haryana, Kachi Ghodi from Rajasthan, Bazigar from Punjab, Nachar from Punjab, Behrupiya from Rajasthan and Stick walker from Rajasthan would also be showcased.

On the 150th Birth anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi, Chandigarh Administration is giving a special tribute to the Iconic leader with the main attraction of the event being the stall dedicated to the Mahatma. The stall will showcase some of the rare pictures of Mahatma Gandhi's life, freedom struggle, and other aspects of his remarkable journey.

Around 170 stalls have been constructed at the site to display work of artisans and craftsmen of Chandigarh and other states.