Kerala   

Malabar crafts mela vies for national tag

MALAPPURAM: The State will attempt to replicate the famous Surajkund crafts mela to offer a “wholesome feel of India.” The mega trade fair of handicrafts and handloom to be held at Kottakunnu grounds here as part of the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival in December would be modelled after the Surajkund fair of Orissa, said District Collector M.C. Mohandas.

Like Surajkund, Malabar crafts mela 2008 will attract artisans and craftsmen from all parts of the country and beyond. “We are trying to secure a national branding to the Malabar crafts mela by bringing traditional crafts persons and artisans from all parts of the country and abroad,” he said.

Surajkund has been hosting annual fairs for the past 22 years showcasing artists, artisans and craftsmen of national repute and their products. Some of the SAARC countries have been participating in the Surajkund mela.

“We hope to achieve a national status in about five years,” said M. Abdul Majeed, general manager of the District Industries Centre, which is in the forefront to organise the event from December 16 to 30 as part of the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival.

Buoyed by the success of the maiden mela in 2007, the Industries Department and its subsidiary units have set a target to attract more than 1.25 lakh visitors to Kottakunnu, a tabletop tourist spot in the heart of Malappuram town.

“We chose the latter half of December as it is the peak tourist season,” said Mr. Abdul Majeed. The mela will be showcased in 100 huts made of bamboo and palm leaves using the traditional expertise of Adivasis. About 200 artisans, craftsmen, diamond cutters, metal workers, sculptors, and handloom weavers from across the country will take part in the mela.

There will be a food mela too. Several competitions will be held, including one in calligraphy. Registration of the counters will begin at the District Collectorate here on Saturday.

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