The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Rajasthani ambience recreated at `Pushkar'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 25, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Rajasthani ambience recreated at `Pushkar'

Staff Reporter

The mela has paintings, handbags, garments and Rajasthani cuisine on display

REGAL VISIT: Governor, S. S. Barnala arrives on a horse-drawn carriage for the Pushkar Rajasthani Mela that began at YMCA Grounds, Royapettah on Saturday. PHOTO: R. RAGU

CHENNAI: Pushkar, a two-day fair showcasing Rajasthani crafts, culture and cuisine got going at the YMCA Grounds in Royapettah on Saturday.

Horse-carriages, shenai-dhol music and mehndi feature in the recreation of a Rajasthan-like ambience at the venue, prompting the chief guest, Governor S. S. Barnala to wonder aloud where the camels were.

Camels, he was promptly informed by an organiser, had indeed been part of the plans but could not be brought along for display at the venue for "various reasons".

The two-day Rajasthani Mela, which would be open from 3 p.m. on the concluding day on Sunday, is sponsored by Natural Energy Processing Company (NEPC) India.

More than 140 stalls are offering pottery and paintings, handbags, bangles and garments as well as over 60 varieties of patented Rajasthani snacks and dishes. Puppet shows and fun contests are also pulling in crowds.

The Tourism department of Rajasthan has brought a troupe of folk artistes for the cultural shows.

Mr. Barnala commended Rajasthanis for showing exceptional tolerance, a hallmark of Indian civilisation, and charity.

Mr. Barnala was felicitated by the president of the Rajasthani Association S. S. Goenka. Raviprakashji Khemka, NEPC chairman spoke.

The mela is a joint effort of Rajasthan Cosmo Club, RCC Platinum Rajasthani Association, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan Foundation.

The proceeds of the mela will go for the Cloth Bank.

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