As the curtains come down on the grand cultural extravaganza at Kalagram, here’s a look at the highs and lows of the ten-day fair that ran to a full house!

Firgive the cliche, but all’s well that ends well. The hiccups apart, like sullen Jammu and Kashmir state officials at the start, ‘sky dining’ interruptions and parking woes, Chandigarh’s first National Crafts Mela has concluded on a high note. The last ten days, from October 24 to November 2, have seen the tricity converge at Kalagram to make the most of the one of its kind crafts fair. Planned on the lines of the uber popular Surajkund Crafts Mela, though the Chandigarh version might not have matched the original, it has been a big step in the right direction. Leaving aside comparisons, it has been UT Administration and NZCC’s almost-perfect attempt at rolling out a balanced mix of culture, crafts and cuisine. Each of the ten days have seen a potpourri of cultural performances being staged that aimed to present the true diversity of India. Along side, award-winning craftsmen culled from across the country rolled out their products, most of which were only too familiar. Nevertheless, the crafts mela has scored a hit specially when you hear that more than four lakh visitors trooped in. Here’s a round-up of the days that were, both the highs and the lows.

SLUGGISH START:Having created enough curiosity about the crafts mela, it was a tad disappointing to see stalls hosting familiar craftsmen who have been coming to the city for many years now. Ditto for the cultural performances that brought in artistes who have been earlier brought in during the Chandigarh Carnival. Then the mela’s partner state of Jammu and Kashmir expressed their displeasure at not being given due credit. Elsewhere, the much hyped Sky Dining event initially refused to take off, quite literally. But then, once the fair got rolling, the crowds came in and suddenly it was all happening.

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