Malini Awasthi is a name synonymous with folk music in India. The evening of 8th February witnessed her mellifluous renditions filled the atmosphere of the mela with the magic of folk music from Awadh and Benaras. Through her powerful performance, Malini Awasthi transported her audience into a musical fantasia. Her performance included various forms of folk music-such as Dadra, Kajri, Jhoola, Holi, Birha, etc.
The audience swayed to her tunes and even joined her on the stage to sing and dance along to her folk renditions. Even the guests from foreign nations enjoyed her show thoroughly and were introduced to the ethos of Indian folk music.
The evening witnessed prestigious and esteemed guests like Shri Ram Bilas Sharma, Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Haryana and Shri Vijai Vardhan, additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Haryana Cum Vice Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority along with other guests and dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Ram Bilas Sharma praised the talent of Smt. Malini Awasthi and stated that today her performance captured the entire Indian heritage. she is the ambassador of India and her voice reaches far and wide in the world.
A treat for art connoisseurs
For those who love art Surajkund Mela is a perfect place to explore the vast reservoir of Indian art and paintings from across the nation. Indian folk artists have brought with them the traditional art, which is attracting the art collectors, lovers and patrons alike.
From paintings to intricate wood work, the mela is brimming with talent of traditional artists. One of the most unique works of art is the ‘PattaChitra’ from Odisha. Different artists from the state have got these unique paintings. Although a couple from the Odisha is creating beelines of art admirers, with their highly intricate and detailed ‘Pattachitra paintings’ and ‘palm leaf engravings’.
Mr. Sarat Kumar Pradhan and his wife Saudamini have been coming to the Surajkund Mela from Odishsa since years and say that every year patrons of our art are increasing in numbers. Both husband and wife are National and state award winner respectively. Their paintings depict epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana in pictorial form. They say it takes days and months to paint one masterpiece but they say the most satisfying feeling is being appreciated for carrying on the legacy.
S. Kesavan along with S. kalaidelvi from Tamil Nadu have brought the ever famous Tanjore paintings to the Mela. These paintings boast of delicate layers of work comprising different materials and the use of pure gold foil to make a masterpeice. S. Kesavan states that it takes a lot of hard work and precision to make these paintings and can take even a month to finish one.
Arty decorations with detailed engraving on brass is being lapped up by visitors and admirers alike. Nadeem Hasssan from Uttar Pradesh has showcased brass decorations which boast of detailed Marodi and Bidri work. He states that these brass creations are very popular with people who like to decorate the interiors with art and craft. From tiny decorations to life size vases, there is much to admire and collect here.
for those who love art and craft there is a limitless choice to shop from.
The Mela is open from 1st to 17th February, 2019, daily from 10.30 am-8.30 pm.
