Shilp Haat witnessed confluence of crafts, culture and art for 14 days
Prayagraj: Somewhere the melodious tunes of folk songs, somewhere the dance moves and somewhere the melodious tune of the flute. The premises of the North Central Zone Cultural Centre, decorated with the colours of crafts and culture for 14 days, witnessed the conclusion of the Diwali Crafts Fair on Thursday with memories and happiness. Craftsmen from different states of the country won the hearts of the people with their skills and traditional products. With the conclusion of the fair, the craftsmen packed up their stalls and bid farewell to each other.
The closing ceremony of the Diwali Crafts Fair, organised by the North Central Zone Cultural Centre, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the Chief Guest Ajay Kumar Mishra, IG, Commissionerate Prayagraj, Centre Director Sudesh Sharma, Deputy Director Dr Mukesh Upadhyay and Advisor Kalpana Sahay. The closing ceremony began with special cultural performances by Satvik Sanstha on the theme “Let’s light the lamp of happiness.” Disabled children Dhruv and Ibrahim enthralled the audience with their skating performance to the song Vande Mataram. Teachers from Central Special Children’s School followed with a dandiya dance performance. Children from Mata Kalavati Special Children’s School received widespread applause with their dance performance to the patriotic song “Mere Desh Ki Dharti.”
Tuhina Ghosh and her fellow artists filled the atmosphere with a musical performance of bhajans and ghazals. They received accolades from the audience, singing hymns like “Main to Girdhar ke ghar jaoon,” “Dheere dhree jhulao sukumari siya ho,” along with ghazals like “Chaman dar chaman bas teri baat hogi,” and “Mere pyar ko tum bhula to na dege kabhi.”
Following this, budding artist Suchitra Tripathi, who won first prize in the Brahmanad competition, presented a folk dance. Dr. Pawan and his team mesmerized the audience with their flute playing. Sachin Kumar and his team presented the story of Lord Shiva’s birth through Birha, earning widespread applause from the audience.
Minister Dr. Pramod Kumar visited the fair. Dr. Pramod Kumar, Minister of Mines and Geology and Arts and Culture of the Bihar government, visited the North Central Zone Cultural Center on Wednesday. He was welcomed by Center Director Sudesh Sharma. The minister visited the Diwali Crafts Fair and interacted with artisans from various states, learning about their handicraft products and traditional arts. He praised the artisans’ skills and hard work and encouraged them.
Competition winners honoured: On the closing ceremony, the winners of various competitions held under the Hindi Fortnight and Cleanliness Fortnight were honored with certificates and prizes. The program was conducted by Sanjay Purusharth.
