ALL SET!

From the valley: Given the fact that the state of Jammu and Kashmir is the theme state at the Mela,you’ll be greeted by huge Shikaras housed in the middle of Kalagram. The fabricated versions will hold in them craftsmen and their work from Jammu and Kashmir. Also the inaugural evening will see artistes from the state,brought together by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy for Arts,Culture and Languages,Srinangar,entertain the gathering by way of folk dances and presentations. “Dances and folk music by ethnic groups of the state such as Dogri,Ladakhi,Pahari et al will also be showcased,” mentioned an official from the Srinagar-based Academy.

Cultural Connect: While the umpteen huts at the venue will offer a chance to grab the best crafts of India,the activity levels at the Mela will be on a high all through. “A wide variety of cultural programmes have been planned for each day in addition to the day performances,” mentioned Niwas adding that each evening at 6 pm,the main stage would host a mega performance. Day Two will see French-born Bharatnayam dancer and Padma Shri awardee,Devayani perform while Day Three will see a ‘Voice of Chandigarh’ contest being held among college students from the tricity. Come October 28 and the well-known singer Fareed Sabri will present a Qawwali performance. To add to the diversity,the Mela will be peppered with folk dances,music and even a fashion show!

Feast On:The ten-day long event is being clubbed with food festivals being organised in association with the Chandigarh Hotel and Restaurant Association. “Given the festive mood,the Association decided to roll out food festivals timed with the Mela. It’s a welcoming move,” spoke a visibly pleased Niwas. While the popular ‘CITCO Da Vehra’ would be back in action at the venue of the Crafts Mela,a special 15 per cent discount on food would be offered at Hotel Mountview and Hotel Shivalkview. CITCO would also roll out a Punjabi food festival at Baithak,Kalagram till November 2. Elsewhere,a Lahori food festival has been planned at Hotel Metro 43,a ‘Healthy Food Festival’ at Metro 35,Dum Pukht festival at Khyber Restaurant,Biryani festival at Western Court,Chandigarh and Panchkula. “Also a Banana Leaf Festival has been planned for Sundarams,‘Best of Maya Palace’ at the Mirchi Kum restaurant,an ice-cream and dessert festival at Hotel Aroma followed by Oriental Barbeque Festival at Purple Rice and Szechuan Nights Festival at Chop Sticks 2,” listed out the Association’s president,Man Mohan Singh Kohli.

(The timings for the Crafts Mela is from 10 am to 9 pm. A ticketed affair,adults will have to shell out Rs 5 while children and students can walk in for free. )