Punjab Governor inaugurates Chandigarh National Crafts Mela at Kalagram

Punjab Governor inaugurates Chandigarh National Crafts Mela at Kalagram

by Ramesh K Dhiman

CHANDIGARH,

December 1

The 13th edition of the annual National Chandigarh Crafts Fair went of to a coloutful start here at Kalagram Manimajra on December 1,

Punjab Governor and Chairman NZCC, Banwarilal Purohit inaugurated the Fair at 6 pm, among other who’s who of Chandigarh Adminstration.
Those in august presence on the occasion were, besides Director, NZCC, Furqan Khan, Chandigarh Mayor, Anup Gupta, Secretary (Home), Secretary (Finance), Director Art and Culture, Additional Chief Secy to Governor, Punjab.
The Annual Crafts Mela, an yearly feature, is organized by the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, in association with Chandigarh Administration.

The Governor on the occasion released the book, titles “Jaipur Ka Lok Natya Tamasha” authored by Saurabh Bhatt.
our folk artistes to be honored with the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Awards’ for their outstanding contribution to the field of performing art. Vasudev Bhatt (Raj) and Subhash Nagada (Har), Khemraj (J &K) and Swaran Singh (Pb) were among the proud recipients of the award.

December 1 being the Nagaland Foundation Day, prominent singer Veswuzo Fesao and his troupe from Nagaland doled out two songs,
one each in Naga dialect and Hindi song “Jaane wallon zara …” which evoked thunderous applause from the audience.

This year’s theme being ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’, a mesmerizing presentation based on folk and classical dance forms was presented by as many as 200 artistes from 22 states under the direction of a celeb choreographer Santosh Nair.

The evening assumed a typical Sufiana colour with acclaimed singer Sultana Nooran of the Nooran Sisters duo took the centre stage, doling out I well-modulated voice, the best out of their rich repertoire. She started with the invocation “Allah hoo…”, followed by Bulleh Shah’s qalam “Mein yaar da diwana…” “Dama dum mast kalander…” and so on setting the stage afire

Others who would perform during the 10-day long fusion of folk songs and dances of diverse regions, Sufi, classical, and traditional et al.
include ace Punjabi singer Preet Harpal (Dec 2), will perform, Sufi singer Lakhwinder Wadali (Dec 3), Natti King of Himachal, Kuldip Sharma (Dec 4) winner of 10th season of Indian Idol, Salman Ali (Dec 5), Indian classical and folk singer, Maithili Thakur (Dec 6), Kamaouni singer, Maya Upadhyay (Dec 7), Punjabi singer, Joban Sandhu (Dec 8), Kulwinder Kally and Gurlez Akhtar (Dec 9) and Punjabi singer, Prabh Gill (Dec 10).

NZCC Director in his brief welcome address said that the Crafts Mela this season had assumed astronomical heights with new attractions added to it. He expressed gratitude to the Chandigarh Adminstration for extending its active support in making the annual feature of this scale.He called upon one and all to come and be a part of this mega show of fascinating folk flavours, food and fun”