EXOTIC, NATURAL PRODUCTS PULL CROWDS AT SURAJKUND FAIR
Times of India
Feb 12 2015
TNN | Feb 12, 2015, 04.43 PM IST
SURAJKUND (Faridabad): Exotic spices and creations by craftspersons
from foreign countries are finding many takers at the 29th Surajkund
International Crafts Mela. Spices from mela’s partner nation Lebanon
to gem paintings from neighbouring Sri Lanka and hand-embroidered
wall hangings from Uzbekistan are attracting visitors.
Lebanese NGO Green Hand has brought an interesting range of salts
and gourmet products to the fair. Salim Tahbet, a member of Green
Hand, said, “We are a family of more than 218 volunteers from all
over Lebanon making efforts to save our habitat from bad harvesting
practices. We believe that real change has to come in an ascendant
way. Green Hand works around sustainable development through
mobilization and participation of local communities in every step.”
An attractive range of nine flavours of unrefined salt with no
additives are displayed in sleek glass bottles. “It is premium sea
salt flower mixed with harvested wild herbs. The salt named ‘Chimi
Churri’ is a mix of origanum, laurus and black & red pepper mixed
with flakes of sea salt flower and can be used in preparation of main
course dishes, salads and curds. Then, there are sea salt concoctions
with organic grapes, rose and an array of herbs,” he said.
Crest Mineral Creations from Sri Lanka is here with natural gem-studded
handmade pictures. Rathnadeepa, the artist behind these creations
including peacock, elephant, horses, map of India, sacred idols, said,
“I first draw an outline of what I intend to make and then mull how
to fill it up with different coloured stones. I use the residual part
of pure stones such as amethyst, ruby, sapphire, emerald and crush
them finely and glue it on the picture in an aesthetic manner.”
Uzbekistan’s Association of Craftsmen is showcasing handmade jewellery,
rugs and stoles. These colourful pieces have been intricately
hand embroidered using chain stitch, which is akin to Indian ‘aari’
work. There is a huge heavily embellished wall hanging in eye-catching
patterns that could make even the dullest corner of your house smile!
A young folk music ensemble from Armenia is not only entertaining
visitors at the mela by strumming tunes from their traditional
instruments, these instruments namely Duluk, Shvi, Zurna, Santoor,
Qamancha, Tavix and Qanon are on display and sale too. Anushik
Stepanyan, vocalist from the group, said, “Our santoor is a close
cousin of the Indian instrument with the same name. These instruments
are made of apricot wood. Also, we have brought along traditional
chiffon dresses painted with floral motifs and scarves in pastel
shades and artefacts made from silver and other alloys.”