Shafi Shiddique
Faridabad/ Alive News: The partner country Japan is participating in the 30th Surajkund International Crafts Mela with much enthusiasm. The artists from Japan are a centre of attraction in the international area. Participating in the Mela for the first time, Japan’s renowned artists have come here to showcase their masterpieces.
Maeno Setsu practises the traditional craft Kimekomi art, made from using small pieces of pure silken kimono clothes. Tells Setsu, “I make pictures of places located in old Japanese towns like a shrine in Kyoto, Nagoya castle, etc. First, I sketch the place I like and then with a special tool, I fix the pieces of cloth on my drawing.”
She has brought originals as well as 3-D prints of her works which are drawing attention from all visitors. She holds exhibitions of her works across the globe. Now Setsu plans to visit Agra and visit Taj Mahal which will form the theme for her next painting. Her works come for a price of Rs 9 lakhs to 22 lakhs.
Sekkoh Hamauzu is a calligrapher from Japan and has won many awards. Her unique works are exhibited in Portugal embassy in Japan, Thailand princess art museum and many other places. The visitors at the Mela are enjoying getting their names written from her in Japanese language on a handmade sheet with a special character embossed of a Japanese Iris flower and the artist finishes it off by inking her stamp on it. It comes for just
Rs 300. Sekkoh is also selling postcards with her miniature designs on them.
Illustrator Hashimoto from Japan is a self-trained graphic designer, whose works are influenced by Mithali painting especially of late Ms. Ganga Devi’s work. A perfect blend of Indian and Japanese themes, his paintings are made from fine nib pens in shades of black and red with interesting titles like Shinning lion, flower float, lady octopus, Tokyo flower tower, etc.
Japanese drummers and Taiko players are a centre of attraction as the visitors stop by to watch them perform in the international area. They are based in Inagi Tokyo and practice their art religiously and play Taiko at festivals.
A Japanese gaint kite is also displayed at their stall that has a Japanese folk tale hero Momotarou painted on it. Interestingly, Momotarou, a monkey appears as supporting role such as Hanuman in Ramayana. So in more than one way, India and Japan have a lot in common to share and Surajkund International Crafts Mela has brought this harmonious melange to the fore.
Flying high at Surajkund Mela
Helicopter rides at the ongoing Surajkund International Crafts Mela are a big fad this time. Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism has taken up this novel initiative of presenting helicopter rides and offering more enjoyment to families and visitors coming to Mela. The company Heritage Aviation Ltd. of New Delhi has been engaged for this service and they are offering continuous helicopter rides from the helipad located opposite hotel Rajhans at Surajkund. The company officials said that they were following all safeguards and maximum a group of six persons is boarded per ride after measuring their weight and ensuring they have no health problems. Tells Peeyush Mathur, Deputy General Manager, Heritage Aviation, “We are following all security norms and checks, also basic fire-fighting equipment is stationed at the helipad to counter any unforeseen eventuality.”
The area from where the helicopter takes off has been cordoned off and nobody besides the passengers boarding the helicopter is allowed in that area. A seven to eight minute ride over the Mela and around is being offered for Rs 2500 per person.
Lot of families along with children are simply enjoying the helicopter rides, which has indeed become a very popular feature of the Mela this time.
So come enjoy the Mela from an aerial view!
Making Mela visitor friendly
Dena Bank has opened one extension counter and four ATMs in the Mela premises, one ATM is at Gate no.1, second ATM at Food Court and two ATMs at Extension counter opposite Mela police control room. The bank is providing all kinds of banking facilities in the Mela premises.
In another unique initiative undertaken CCSR Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Research Foundation, New Delhi has installed sanitary napkin vending machine at four ladies toilet blocks in the Surajkund Mela grounds. These machines are being operated by female volunteer of CSRRF and the distribution of sanitary napkins to visitors is free of cost. Emma from New Zealand is all praises for this facility, “It is a very good facility that is being extended here at the Mela for the convenience of the women.”
Mehndi competition held at Surajkund Mela
A mehndi competition was organised at Natyashala in which over 120 students participated with enthusiasm. The first prize was given to Anjali and Mahima of Shri Sanatan Dharama Sr. Sec. School 1-B, NIT Faridabad; the second prize was given to Aarti & Shalini of Shri Sanatan Dharama Sr. Sec. School 1-B, NIT Faridabad and the third prize went to Sushmita of Arya Vidya Sr. Sec. School, Milk Plant road, Ballabgarh. The consolation prize was given to Umesh of Suraj Government Boys Senior Secondary School, NIT-3, Faridabad.
