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Firgive the cliche,but alls well that ends well. The hiccups apart,like sullen Jammu and Kashmir state officials at the start,sky dining interruptions and parking woes,Chandigarhs first National Crafts Mela has concluded on a high note.

As the curtains come down on the grand cultural extravaganza at Kalagram,heres a look at the highs and lows of the ten-day fair that ran to a full house!

Firgive the cliche,but alls well that ends well. The hiccups apart,like sullen Jammu and Kashmir state officials at the start,sky dining interruptions and parking woes,Chandigarhs first National Crafts Mela has concluded on a high note. The last ten days,from October 24 to November 2,have seen the tricity converge at Kalagram to make the most of the one of its kind crafts fair. Planned on the lines of the uber popular Surajkund Crafts Mela,though the Chandigarh version might not have matched the original,it has been a big step in the right direction. Leaving aside comparisons,it has been UT Administration and NZCCs almost-perfect attempt at rolling out a balanced mix of culture,crafts and cuisine. Each of the ten days have seen a potpourri of cultural performances being staged that aimed to present the true diversity of India. Along side,award-winning craftsmen culled from across the country rolled out their products,most of which were only too familiar. Nevertheless,the crafts mela has scored a hit specially when you hear that more than four lakh visitors trooped in. Heres a round-up of the days that were,both the highs and the lows.

SLUGGISH START:Having created enough curiosity about the crafts mela,it was a tad disappointing to see stalls hosting familiar craftsmen who have been coming to the city for many years now. Ditto for the cultural performances that brought in artistes who have been earlier brought in during the Chandigarh Carnival. Then the melas partner state of Jammu and Kashmir expressed their displeasure at not being given due credit. Elsewhere,the much hyped Sky Dining event initially refused to take off,quite literally. But then,once the fair got rolling,the crowds came in and suddenly it was all happening.

CRAFT OF THE MATTER:The earthiness of the fair by way of the mud huts,traditional gates,rustic settings won the Mela many brownie points. The parched Kalagram grounds underwent a complete makeover and it was commendable effort indeed. It is unlike a setup I have seen in Chandigarh before. Its open and well planned, mentioned banker Aniruddh Sharma who had come in with his family on day two of the fair. While many felt the crafts were nothing unique,there were some that stole the show. Like T Doraiswamis life-size wooden sculptures,G Rajus all-natural range of Kalamkari dhurries,Gary Arts life-like figurines,Alok Kumars mat weaving to Terracotta collection by Dharambir,Bashir Ahmeds Pashmina collection from Jammu and Kashmir to Kolhapur chappals from Maharashtra,wood inlay and lacquer furniture by Punjabs Parminder Singh to list a few. The final day also saw artistes being awarded titles such as Kala Mani,Kala Nidhi and Kala Giri.

A PLATTERFUL:Nothing draws in the crowds more than fine fare. Taking note,the crafts mela brought in sumptuous menus that boasted of authentic Kashmiri Wazwan to traditional Punjabi treats. We have made the most of Kashmiri cuisine that is not readily available in the city. It was truly authentic, remarked Reena Vig and her husband Ashok who timed dinner along with a visit to the fair. Also dishing out Chinese specials were students from Dr Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management for whom the hands-on experience was truly worth it. The aim was to give the students a real experience, mentioned lecturer Pratik Ghosh as the students went about tossing Chowmein and played perfect host.

CENTRESTAGE:With as many as 300 artistes taking to the stage,one expected to see newer performances. Unfortunately,it wasnt so on most days. Most of these performers are here annually to perform at some event or the other. Also there should have been at least more youth-oriented contemporary show like a Sufi Rock night, rued DAV College student Rahul Garg and fellow classmate Vivek Sharma. Heres looking forward to next year!

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Top Ten

Firgive the cliche,but alls well that ends well. The hiccups apart,like sullen Jammu and Kashmir state officials at the start,sky dining interruptions and parking woes,Chandigarhs first National Crafts Mela has concluded on a high note.

Firgive the cliche,but alls well that ends well. The hiccups apart,like sullen Jammu and Kashmir state officials at the start,sky dining interruptions and parking woes,Chandigarhs first National Crafts Mela has concluded on a high note.