The 32nd Rashtriya Shilp Mela, also known as the National Handicrafts Fair, is set to begin in Prayagraj on December 1 with a significant environmental initiative - this year's event will be completely free from plastic and polythene materials.
A Green Revolution in Handicrafts
During a press conference held on Saturday, Sudesh Sharma, director of the North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC), announced the groundbreaking decision to eliminate plastic from the prestigious fair. "Making the National Handicrafts Fair plastic-free is not just an initiative but a responsibility toward our future", Sharma emphasized.
The director made a heartfelt appeal to all artisans and visitors to support this environmental mission and help promote a clean and green culture. He specifically requested that visitors bring their own jute bags for carrying purchases throughout the fair.
Fair Details and Entry Information
Organized by the NCZCC under the ministry of culture, the fair will run from December 1 to December 10 as part of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative. This year, visitors will need to pay an entry fee of ₹30 per person.
The 2023 edition promises to showcase the incredible diversity of India's artistic heritage, featuring:
- 156 total stalls including 129 handicraft stalls and 27 food stalls
- Artisans from 20 different states across India
- 8 national award-winning artisans as special attractions
Dazzling Array of Crafts and Cultural Programs
Visitors can expect to see an extraordinary collection of traditional crafts including Karnataka's silk suits, Madhya Pradesh's hand embroidery, silk textiles from Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar, Jaipuri quilts, Hyderabad pearls, Bengal's rice and stone jewellery, along with Rajasthani mosaic glasswork, terracotta, and stone carving.
The cultural segment will be equally impressive with approximately 650 performers scheduled to entertain visitors. The cultural evenings will be inaugurated by Padma Shri Malini Awasthi, followed by performances from renowned ghazal singer Bhupendra Shukla and qawwal Yusuf Nizami, along with several regional folk artists.
A special poets' gathering is scheduled for December 9, adding literary charm to the event. The fair will kick off with a colorful shobha yatra on December 1 at 2pm, where artists will be welcomed by the local traders' association at Subhash Chauraha.
Adding to the excitement, a special talent hunt program will be held daily from 11am to 2pm, providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their skills.
