The Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which showcases crafts and art from across the country, has witnessed increasing international participation every year. But 2013 was almost all about Karnataka. True to the advertising line for the mela, Karnataka ‘wow’ed every one visiting it. Almost every inch of the event featured an element or a spectacle of the state, including pictures in front of the Hampi Stone Chariot and the local cuisine stall. Karnataka’s famed Carnatic and folk music was played at every corner of the venue. In addition, there was a seven-tiered, seven-coloured, 22 ft high flag post typical of coastal Karnataka (Pookare Pathaaka) standing tall at the mela.
Moreover, the mela housed eight architecture-rich gates, 14 monument replicas, three stages styled to themes of Hampi, Pattadakal and Belur, about 300 artistes and more than 100 artisans (including 50 national and state awardees). Karnataka’s Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism) Arvind Jadhav, said, “Our main intention and objective this year is to portray the many worlds of Karnataka that people are unaware of. We have in the past tried to promote the various attractions under this banner – ‘One State Many Worlds’. We also tried to promote festivals, cuisines, art forms and the like. But we wanted to make the most of this platform and go one step further and bring to centre-stage the little known, yet highly intriguing facts that we are known for.”
Agreeing with him, G Sathyavathi, Director (Tourism), Karnataka, said, “We wanted this to become a benchmark event so that we make a mark for ourselves. This was an opportunity to get Karnataka onto the national stage, as well as the international one, to an extent. Also, we were influenced by the opportunity to showcase the rich handicrafts that add colour to, and showcase artistic traditions of, our land.”
