Live demonstration ofart forms dominate the national crafts mela

CHANDIGARH: The National Crafts Mela continues to be dominated by different artistes from the South Indian states at Kalagram over the weekend. People from the Tricity and the neighboring towns thronged the venue in big numbers and moved around the stalls--decorated and displayed with the theme-based items from the temple states. Presented for the first time in such a huge way, the South-Indian states' theme-based jewellery, clothes, handicrafts and cuisines are being widely appreciated by the visitors here.The National artists from South India including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerela etc who have participated in sixth Chandigarh National Crafts Mela displaying their craftsmanship.
It's a real treat to see live demonstrations by National awardees. Traditional and heritage crafts like Thanjavur paintings and Pattachitra are in abundance at the colourful, ethnic village of Chandigarh National Crafts Mela. Artists from various regions are giving live demonstration of the art forms from their respective states. Live demonstration of art forms is dominating the beautiful Crafts Mela.
Tanjore/Thanjavur Paintings demonstration given by Arist from Tamil Nadu, has been receiving appreciation. These paintings generally of Hindi Dieties with ornamentation in gold were traditionally used in worship 400 years ago. Colours used are generally strong. The final effect being derived from the use of gold and setting of gems which gives the paintings an ornamental and rich look. Artisan of this stall is happy with the response and says would like to come back again as people in Chandigarh are picking up this art even it is costly. This artist has fame of selling his artefacts to renowned South Indian superstar Rajnikant and other celebrities across country.
Live demonstration of Orissa's 'Patachitra' is also happening at Kalagram. It is usually made on palm leaf and depicts the mythological stories. It has a theme of deities as its subject. The stall has excellent collection of masterpieces in the form of Palmfeaf puppet, Dhokra, paper masks, cow dunck toys, Ganjapa/playing cards. Goods made of palm leaf engraving are liked a lot by the visitors. The black colour used in this art is made from the smoke emerged from burnt leaves smoke.
Endowed with rich forest cover, Andhra Pradesh is a rich resource for several types of wood carvings. An amazing stall has been put by Artist B Raja Hary which has astonishing wooden masterpieces. The Intricate wood work depicting Hindu mythological stories and figures in great detail have been carved out on teak and rose wood.