The much-awaited Orange City Craft Mela and Folk Dance Festival by South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC) has returned with its 31st edition, bringing a celebration of culture and art. It was inaugurated on Friday at SCZCC premises, at the hands of Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways. Aastha Godbole Karlekar, Director SCZCC; Deepak Kulkarni, Assistant Director; Deepak Patil, Administrative Officer, and Ganpatlal Prajapati, Program Assistant, were also present.

 

The craft mela has carved a special place in the hearts of citizens, known for offering a kaleidoscope of handicrafts, textiles, crockery, home decor, and culinary delights sourced from various states of India. Families and friends get a chance to spend quality time together, soaking in the blend of culture, art, and food. This year’s edition has once again impressed visitors with a dazzling array of stalls showcasing creations, including metal crafts, footwear, carpets, regional sarees, and home decor items. Food enthusiasts can indulge in a delightful range of regional cuisine and snacks. Adding to the allure, the festival presents performance of folk dance groups from across the country such as Hojagiri dance of Tripura, Mayur dance of Uttar Pradesh, Kalbeliya dance of Rajasthan, Gotipua dance of Odisha, Karakattam dance of Tamil Nadu, Rouf dance of Jammu and Kashmir, and many more. Each performance served as a window to the different states. The craft mela is open for public from 2 pm to 9.30 pm and will conclude on January 19.