Artisans Shine At Craft Mela, Draw Thousands Nagpur: Nearly 40,000 visitors gathered at the 32nd Orange City Craft Mela & Folk Dance Festival, held at the South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), as the event concluded on Sunday. The 10-day cultural celebration featured 138 stalls showcasing handicrafts and textiles, alongside 25 food stalls offering regional cuisines. Nearly 300 artists performed throughout the event, with the final day witnessing a surge in attendance as visitors made last-minute purchases and attended the closing performances. SCZCC director Astha Godbole-Karlekar highlighted the sustained public interest in cultural events, noting that even on rainy days, crowds remained substantial. The mela attracted national and state award-winning artisans from across the country, providing a platform for interaction between craftsmen and buyers. Organizers emphasized the event’s role in preserving traditional art forms that are increasingly at risk of fading. The final evening featured a curated lineup of folk and tribal performances, including Shankh Vadan from Odisha, Dholu Kunitha from Karnataka, Chhau from West Bengal, Ranappa and Ger from Rajasthan, Bardoi Shiklan from Assam, Mathuri from Telangana, and Siddi Dhamal from Gujarat. Traditional performance forms such as Kachhi Ghodi, puppetry, bioscope shows, and bahurupi acts were integral to the event, with seven to eight folk groups performing each evening. The open-air venue brought together artists from multiple states, alongside local performers from Maharashtra and Vidarbha. On the concluding day, Karlekar felicitated Ashwin Dalvi, director of the West Zone Cultural Centre in Udaipur, and former SCZCC director Deepak Khirwadkar.#south_central_zone_cultural_centre #orange_city_craft_mela #astha_godbole_karlekar #shankh_vadan #dholu_kunitha
32nd Orange City Craft Mela opens to lights, rhythm, colour The 32nd Orange City Craft Mela and Folk Dance Festival kicked off on Friday evening at the South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC) in Nagpur, drawing a vibrant crowd with its blend of music, dance, and traditional crafts. The event, set to run for 10 days until April 5, features a wide array of stalls showcasing handloom textiles, embroidered garments, pottery, metalwork, jewellery, carpets, leather goods, and decorative handicrafts. The opening ceremony was marked by rhythmic drumbeats, the sound of ghungroos, and a colorful display that transported attendees across India’s diverse cultural landscapes. Performances from various states highlighted the festival’s focus on regional traditions. Audiences witnessed the energetic Gargalu from Andhra Pradesh, the graceful Lai Haraoba of Manipur, and the lively Ghode Modni from Goa, each act receiving enthusiastic applause. The event’s organizers emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting traditional art forms, ensuring they remain accessible to urban audiences. Beyond the performances, the festival grounds transformed into a bustling marketplace, with artisans engaging directly with visitors. This interaction turned the fair into both a commercial hub and a platform for cultural exchange. A dedicated food zone added to the festive atmosphere, with the aroma of regional delicacies attracting crowds. SCZCC officials, including director Aastha Karlekar, welcomed participating artists and highlighted the festival’s role in bridging traditional crafts with contemporary audiences. Over 150 artisans and more than 300 folk and tribal performers are involved in the event. The mela will operate daily from 2 p.m., with performances starting at 6:30 p.m.#nagpur #andhra_pradesh #south_central_zone_cultural_centre #orange_city_craft_mela #aastha_karlekar
