The 10-day Orange City Craft Mela organised by South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur in its premises commenced with colourful folk dances from all over the country. Dedhiya dance from Uttar Pradesh, was the first to be presented before the audience, on colourful stage decor the dancers danced balancing red pots on their head which had burning lamps. Purnima and her team presented the dance form.
Earlier in the inaugural ceremony, director Dr Deepak Khirwadkar, additional director NADT, Nagpur Rajeev Ranade, TRIFED regional manager, Ashok Mishra, program committee member, Andra Pradesh, Kondapalli Sheshagiri, program committee member, Maharashtra Kunal Gadekar, joint director NADT, Dr Pramod Kumar were present during the lamp lighting ceremony at the inaugural. The performing artistes from different region were feted by the dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, director SCZCC Deepak Khirwadkar expressed his joy as the craft fest is being organised with same consistency and excitement for 26 years. He wished the festival would complete 50 years. Khirwadkar expressed his happiness about the beautiful gathering of artistes from all over India in one premises and said that it is a big opportunity for people of Nagpur to witness various art forms at one place.
After Dedhiya dance, Rauf a traditional folk dance from Jammu and Kashmir was performed by Ifra and team. The Dhangari dance from Maharashtra also caught everyone’s attention.
The artistes and the audience especially enjoyed animal mask dance from Orissa, which required the dancers to wear huge headgear and dance along with it on a story weaved upon music. The dance also had mythological stories attached to it. Mewasi from Gujarat, Bihu from Assam, Garaji from Pondicherry were also performed. The craft fair will continue till January 13 and will witness various dance forms, food and also handicrafts from various regions of the country. Deepak kulkarni compered the proceedings of the programme.
