For those of us who have seen the Surajkund Crafts Mela will agree that though the first Chandigarh National Crafts Mela may not meet the original, it is, however, a big step in the right direction.

Even though comparisons would be a tad unfair, given the fact that it is the UT Administration’s attempt at rolling out a perfect mix of culture and crafts, it is time to give you a first-day, first-show report.

Formally set rolling by UT Administrator General S F Rodrigues (Retd) on Saturday morning at Kalagram, the 10-day fair brings together as many as 150 award-winning craftsmen and their wares along with performing artistes from across the country. The first sights to greet you are the tall earthy gates, replicas of the likes of Sanchi Stupa, and Haryanvi folk singers. The open grounds of Kalagram have been commendably utilised making for an open and easy to walk through affair.

Fabricated ethnic huts are dotted all over offering crafts that range from handloom weaves to handmade artefacts, beaded jewellery to clay pottery, paper flowers to paper mache products, cane baskets to crotchet garments—it’s all here, but all too familiar as well.  

“Since the city hosts state exhibitions through the year, there’s nothing new on offer as far as the crafts go,” said Neeru Gahlot, a Manimajra-based homemaker, who trooped in with her family to check out the inaugural day.

The only unfamiliar sight was the sky dining experience brought to the city by CCPL Hospitality Ltd that hoisted a dinner table high up in the skies with select few invitees.

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