The South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur, will organise its annual national-level “Orange City Craft Mela and Folk Dance Festival” from March 27 to April 5, 2026. This is the 32nd edition of the event, which is widely known across India for showcasing folk and tribal dance, music, handicrafts, and regional cuisines. The festival will be inaugurated on March 27 at 6:30 pm.
Visitors can enter the handicraft fair daily from 2:00 pm to 9:30 pm, while folk dance performances will begin on the main stage from 6:30 pm. Around 150 artisans and over 300 folk and tribal artists will participate. Craft stalls and traditional food stalls from different states will be key attractions.
From March 27 to 30, performances will include Beda Raas (Gujarat), Dedhiya (Uttar Pradesh), Seharia Swang (Rajasthan), Veer Natyam/Gargalu (Andhra Pradesh), Ghode Modni (Goa), Gudum Baja (Madhya Pradesh), and Lai Haraoba (Manipur).
On March 31, the programme will feature “Divyarang Divyanganche” by specially-abled children from Ashadeep Foundation, followed by “Folk Music and Bhajan” by Delhi-based singer Priyanka Ahirwar. On April 1, “Kabir Gayan” by Mukesh Chauhan (Madhya Pradesh) will be presented, followed by “Folk Dances of Maharashtra” by transgender artists from Saptarang Sevabhavi Sanstha, Nanded, led by Dr. Sanvi Jethwani.
From April 2 to 5, performances will include Siddi Dhamal (Gujarat), Lal Angi Ger (Rajasthan), Mathuri (Telangana), Shankh Vadan/Ranappa (Odisha), Dholu Kunitha (Karnataka), Chhau (West Bengal), and Boro (Assam).
Throughout the fair, Bahurupi artists (Maharashtra and Rajasthan) will perform in various costumes, while Kachchi Ghodi artists (Rajasthan) will entertain audiences. Live demonstrations of puppetry, bioscope, and terracotta art will also be held.
Artisans from across India, including national award winners, will showcase and sell a wide range of crafts such as hand block printing, embroidery, Jamdani suits, Rangkat and Banarasi sarees, leather and metal crafts, jewellery, Panja durries, zari work, mat weaving, bell metal, Chanderi fabrics, Chikankari, Phulkari, Punjabi juttis, dry flowers, Khurja pottery, furniture, carpets, handloom products, and Mandala art paintings.
Food stalls will offer a variety of traditional cuisines including Rajasthani, Punjabi, Delhi chaat, tandoori tea, kulfi, non-vegetarian dishes, Kolkata kathi rolls, Maharashtrian food, and Vidarbha specialities.
Paid parking will be available at Deshpande Sabhagruh. Entry to the event is set at a donation fee of ₹30 per person per day. Organisers have invited all art lovers and citizens to attend and enjoy the festival.
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