Nagpur's Orange City Craft Mela Concludes with Record 40,000 Visitors
The 32nd edition of the Orange City Craft Mela & Folk Dance Festival at Nagpur's South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC) wrapped up on Sunday, drawing an impressive crowd of nearly 40,000 visitors over its ten-day run. The event, which served as a vibrant celebration of India's rich cultural heritage, featured extensive participation from artists and artisans nationwide.
Extensive Participation and Diverse Offerings
Organisers reported that approximately 300 artists performed at the festival, while 138 stalls exhibited a wide array of handicrafts and textiles. Additionally, 25 food stalls offered regional cuisines, creating a holistic cultural experience for attendees. The mela provided a crucial platform for national and state award-winning artisans to showcase traditional crafts that are gradually disappearing, facilitating direct interaction between craftsmen and buyers.
SCZCC director Astha Godbole-Karlekar highlighted the sustained public engagement, noting, "Even on days with rain, visitors continued to turn up in large numbers." She emphasized that the response demonstrates Nagpur's strong connection to cultural events.
Folk Performances and Cultural Showcases
The festival's cultural programming was particularly noteworthy, with seven to eight folk groups performing each evening at the open-air venue. The final evening featured a curated lineup of folk and tribal performances including:
- Shankh Vadan from Odisha
- Dholu Kunitha from Karnataka
- Chhau from West Bengal
- Ranappa and Ger from Rajasthan
- Bardoi Shiklan from Assam
- Mathuri from Telangana
- Siddi Dhamal from Gujarat
Throughout the mela duration, traditional performance forms such as Kachhi Ghodi, puppetry, bioscope shows, and bahurupi acts remained integral to the cultural experience. The venue hosted artists representing multiple states while also providing a platform for local performers from Maharashtra and Vidarbha.
Concluding Day Highlights and Recognition
The final day saw a significant surge in footfall, with visitors making last-minute purchases at craft and handloom stalls while attending the concluding performances. During the closing ceremony, Karlekar felicitated Ashwin Dalvi, director of West Zone Cultural Centre in Udaipur, and former SCZCC director Deepak Khirwadkar, recognizing their contributions to cultural preservation.
The festival's success underscores the importance of such platforms in preserving India's diverse cultural traditions while fostering economic opportunities for artisans and performers. The overwhelming public response, even during inclement weather, indicates strong community support for cultural initiatives in Nagpur.
