Thai
floral art illuminating the atmosphere. Exquisite lamps from Turkey brightening
up the skies, evocative of the hot air balloons from Cappadocia. A riot of
colours, with a touch of ethnic, and indigenous décor from across the world
laced with aroma of cuisines and traditional tunes from the hinterlands. The 33rd Surajkund
International Crafts Mela (on till February 17th) offers a mix of such cultural
delights, and an alternative marketing platform to artists from across the
country and the world. Touted to be one of the largest cultural extravaganzas
hosted by the Government of Haryana, the craft fair this year is hosting over
twenty different countries.
The
partner nation at the fair is Thailand with a dedicated pavilion exhibiting
Thai craft, art, silks, herbal products, traditional clothing, and other
souvenirs from the country. All over the
world Thai culture, food, the country’s hospitality, and tourism have played an
imperative role toward cultural exchanges. Thailand and India celebrate this
aspect through Buddhism, festivals such as ‘Namaste Thailand’ commemorated in
2018, languages like Sanskrit and Pali, and Thai mural paintings influenced by
Buddhism, and stories from the Ramayana.
Such
international marketing concepts are essential tools for strengthening soft
diplomatic ties and cultural relations between countries via a citizen-centric
approach augmenting rural and urban livelihoods. The government of India’s Act
East policy has given a further boost to mutual exchanges between South East
Asian countries and India. Celebrating multiple geographical identities like
Madhubani from Bihar; Terracotta from Rajasthan; Bidri from Karnataka;
Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh – artists from Thailand, Netherlands, Indonesia,
Bangladesh, Nepal, Ghana, Turkey, Niger, and several other countries from
across the world coexist at the fair, exhibiting a potpourri of multicultural
specialties under one roof.
A
national award winner, she along with other women practice making paddy
jewellery which uses an excellent balance between professional finesse and
traditional natural wealth. Paddy, which is rice with husk, is first treated
with Araldite gum. After that, the grains are beautifully sewn in symmetric
patterns. A melange of artificial beads, studs, nylon threads, acrylic colours,
and other décor is used to weave lightweight earrings, necklaces, tops, and
other items. Locally known as ‘Dhaan’ crafts, the process is complex and
requires delicate handiwork. Upasi Bhuye 50 has been practicing paddy idol
crafts for ten years. She along with women from her village weave beautiful
figures of gods and goddesses, and miniature arts woven out of paddy straw,
rice, colourful threads, and bamboo.
