Chhattisgarh’s textiles steal the show at Surajkund mela

Tribune News Service & PTI

Faridabad, February 8

The theme state Chhattisgarh showcased its unique handloom designs and rich textile at a fashion show on the seventh day of the 29th Surajkund International Crafts Mela here.

The state was praised for giving a modern and formal twist to its handlooms and Bunkar style garments, created by the Chhattisgarh Apex Handloom Federation and Delhi’s National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

The crafts mela organisers said though the fashion show has always been an integral part of the mela each year, the show on Saturday evening was unique as it tried to present an amalgamation of the traditional with the modern and showcased the splendour of the state’s handlooms and weaving styles through a new range of formal and traditional attires designed by the NIFT designers.

The event was inaugurated by the managing director of Haryana Tourism and chief administrator Sumita Misra. While the Madia tribal dancers of Bastar set the mood to the show titled ‘Amber Mandaar — Vastra from Divine Land’, the first round saw models sashaying down the ramp clad in the uniquely designed clothes.

The fashion show witnessed the Chhattisgarh’s celebrated fabric, the Kosa silk, which are produced in Champa town of Chhattisgarh by the Devangan community. The state celebrated its unique cultural along with tribal heritage and historical heritage in an impressive manner.

Meanwhile, Mathura’s hand-cut designs on paper, Sanjhi Art, emerged as a popular ‘stop’ with the visitors at the crafts mela. Presented in the form of wall hangings, Sanjhi Art practitioner, Vijay Kumar Verma said, “The art originates from Mathura, the home of God Krishna. The handmade sheets are our canvas and the technique of the art lies in cutting the sheet.”

Verma has been associated with the mela since 1987; he displays his unique art for which he received the Kala Mani award by the fair authority. The final creations are presented in different sizes with prices ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 40,000, Verma said.

The festival began here on February 1 and will continue till February 15, with 18 countries participating in the mela. Several artists from different countries including partner nation Lebanon and states such as Chhattisgarh, Punjab, and Haryana enthralled the audience with their textiles and designs.