For the first time in the history of Surajkund
International Crafts Mela, Jharkhand was chosen as a theme state, which began
on 1st of February at the sprawling Surajkund landscape.
With this, the newly carved out state exhibited a
plethora of art, culture, crafts, handloom and even its heritage not only
within India but also beyond its boundaries, for the Surajkund Mela is known
for its wider reach to visitors and participants in two week’s affair.
As the theme state,
Jharkhand not only exhibited its culture as a whole but also
availed multiple opportunities to
showcase its customs and traditions including festivals, dance, music, its
special cuisine and even fine arts at multiple locations in and around
Surajkund in the State of Haryana.
The Cultural Mosaic of Jharkhand was dreamt about, shaped
and polished by generations of communities, which have inhabited this land
since time immemorial. The arts and crafts form a significant part of the
cultural lineage of Jharkhand. There are around 32 tribal groups like Santhals,
Gonds, Bihors, Banjaras, Mundas, Asurs and many more who have influenced the
traditions of Jharkhand and imparted to it the richness and diversity that
exists there.
The 15 days festivities commenced on 1st of February,
inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Haryana, Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar and ended
on 15th of February with the presence of Governor of Jharkhand, Mrs.Draupadi
Murmu and host of its other cabinet ministers, including senior functionaries
of state’s bureaucracy, a number of diplomats, high commissioners, cultural and
economic counsellors from various Embassies and High Commissions took part.
The Tourism Secretary, Mr. Rahul Sharma in his
observations widely praised the way the strength of the State was being
showcased at the Mela with all its products, articles including culture,
heritage, food and the like that have fallen to public taste among produce and
creatives of other states in the Indian federal structure.
.Jharkhand Pavilion made a replica of Audrey House in the
31st International Surajkund Crafts Mela. It served as an Information Center
for the visitors. The interior was designed in such a manner as to provide a
real time experience of various Heritage sites of Jharkhand. In the same
manner, the surroundings of the Jharkhand Information Center (Audrey House) was
designed by Megalith Stones and Betla National Park. The restored building was
inaugurated by the Honorable President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee on January
10th, 2016.
On 11th February, PHD Chamber of Commerce organized a
Fashion show whereby renowned designers like Rina Dhaka and Varija Bajaj had
designed some amazing outfits made out of the fine fabrics named Tussar Silk
and others. Shibani Kashyap, who was show stopper for the evening mesmerized
everyone by her voice and attire designed by Rina Dhaka. A major business
announcement was made on the day of the fashion show where Rina Dhaka formally
launched her Jharkhand Inspired Collection for retailing and Varija launched
her “VARIJA for JHARCRAFT” range. People
from different parts of Jharkhand showcased their talent and earned great
amount of respect and applaud. Arts like “JADO PATIYA’, ‘MADHUBANI PAINTINGS’
and Crafts like ‘CHHAU MASK’,’DHOKRA’ were the talk of the event.
The Santhals practice the art of Jado or Jadopatia where
the artisans make scrolls with natural inks and colours which are used as
visual aids in storytelling and are said to have magical and healing powers.
Some other arts practiced and exhibited The Dhokra art, Ganju art, Sohrai art,
Kohver art, Rana, Teli and Prajapati art, Kurmi art, Mundas art, Turi art,
Birhor and Bhuiya art, Ghatwal art and the list goes on.
The crafts of Jharkhand form a very significant part of the
cultural lineage of the state of Jharkhand in India. Metal crafts, Bamboo crafts, Wood carving,
Stone Craft, were beautifully showcased in the Mela. Other forms of crafts are
Mask Craft (Chhau Mask), Ledre Craft( torn and used cloth used for making beautiful
creation), Mrin craft(pots made from soil) and Instrumental Crafts.
The indigenous tribes of Asurs and Birjiyas exhibited
their ancient methods of iron making at the Jharkhand Pavilion at the 31st
Surajkund Mela. One of the finest example of ancient Indian iron making is
the Iron Pillar located in Delhi, India,
a 7 m (23 ft) column in the Qutub Minar complex, notable for the rust-resistant
composition of the metals used in its construction.Visitors at the Jharkhand
Pavilion were seen visibly amazed at such hidden scientific achievements of
Indian civilization, which effectively dissipate the perception of ancient
India as a land only of snake charmers.
For the constant entertainment of the visitors, different
Tribal Dance forms amongst which Chhau dance, Santhali and others were greatly
admired by the crowd. The artists who performed these forms say that they had
been learning it since childhood and for some dancing is not only a means of
earning their bread but epitomizes their life and spirit.
Food is something that if tasted good leaves a
titillating effect on the taste buds for ages. Jharkhand’s Cuisine has been
greatly praised by the visitors. In Vegetarian Delights, ‘Dhuska’ and ‘Litti
Chokha’(a cuisine of its parent state, Bihar) and in Non-Vegetarian Delights,
Chicken(Murga Bhaat) and Fish(Rehu Macchli) gave a delightful feel to the taste
buds. The cuisine is incomplete without the special mention of sweet dishes
like ‘Malpua’, ‘Anarsa’ and many more.
The culture and traditions of Jharkhand are rich and
varied and Jharkhand being home to a number of tribes speaking a variety of
languages it has a unique history and the Government has endeavoured at various
levels to maintain and propagate these art and craft forms and prevent them
from extinction by helping small scale industries and trade flourish in the
country and abroad. The 31st
International Crafts Mela, Surajkund, Faridabad has been a great success. The Mela exhibited the
unique nature and Culture of Jharkhand. It is replete with numerous elements of
Music and Dances, without which Jharkhand is incomplete.
No comments:
Post a Comment