In simple words, the term 'fair' is used to describe any activity organised for a short period of time which involves the gathering of people for recreational and commercial purposes. Fairs have been organized in different parts of the world since time immemorial. Every region organises fairs in its own special way, according to its culture and traditions. Fairs have a huge role to play in the preservation of different cultures, their beliefs and heritage. Historically, they were organised to facilitate trade related activities while offering people sources of entertainment. In present times, too, they offer traders an open-market to sell their goods, and lure people to visit by organising various fun activities. In a diverse country like India, these fairs serve two purposes- •Making people aware about different cultures, •Being a source of income for local artisans and traders. When we think of local artisans and traders, the first image that crosses our minds is that of Indian artisans and handicrafts. In this article, we are going to explore some major handicrafts fairs of India, and why we all should try to be a part of them. Surajkund International Crafts Mela Started in 1987 for the benefit of poor artisans, the fair is now the world's largest handicrafts fairs and attracts visitors from different countries. It perfectly showcases the richness and diversity of Indian handicrafts, and is quite popular among people. Nauchandi Mela Organised annually by Nagar Nigam Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, this fair was originally organized in the 1600s as a cattle trading fair. This fair involves the amalgamation of different types of arts and crafts from different regions of Uttar Pradesh like Lucknow's Chikan work, Moradabad's brassware, Meerut's leather items, Agra's footwear, Varanasi's carpets, rugs and silk sarees, and others. Taj Mahotsav A ten-day event hosted every year at the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Taj Mahotsav is a cultural hotspot and offers artisans from different parts of India to showcase their talent, though it is mainly influenced by the Mughal era. Here, one can easily find unique and antique artwork of all kinds.
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival The largest multicultural festival in Mumbai, it celebrates all forms of art. It is organised by the Kala Ghoda Association, and is a must-attend for all admirers of art. Hornbill Festival This one is called 'festival of festivals', and is celebrated in the capital of the very beautiful north-eastern state of Nagaland. Started by the government of Nagaland in 2000, it is a celebration of various art forms from different tribes of the state. Sangai Festival This festival is celebrated in Manipur, and just like Hornbill Festival, it showcases the state's multiple art forms. India Art Fair Held in Delhi, from exquisite paintings to beautiful sculptures, it offers everything to its visitors. Not only this, it also organises guided walks by specialists in the field of art history to educate people about different art forms and their history. IHGF Delhi Fair Held biannually, it is organised by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). It is one of Asia's largest handicrafts fair, and offers the opportunity to multiple manufacturers to showcase and sell their creations. These are some of the handicrafts fairs that every person into art and crafts must attend. In fact, even if a person is not into art and crafts, he or she should still attend them as they are not only a source of providing knowledge about different cultures, but also serve as a means of providing livelihood to local artisans. Apart from these major fairs, there are a number of small fairs and exhibitions organised by multiple NGOs for the betterment of local artisans in India. Some of them are:- Dastkar Founded in 1981 in Delhi, its aim is to incorporate woman artisans and work for their betterment. It also organises 'Dastkar Mela' and 'Dastkar Nature Bazaar' where craftspeople from different parts of the country come together to showcase and sell their products. Craftizen Foundation Founded in 2014, its motive is to preserve Indian craft skills, and to provide local artisans better living standards. Asha Handicrafts Association Founded in 1975, this fair trade certified organization is working with artisans from different parts of the country to provide them financial assistance and help preserve the art and crafts of India. There are other organisations like Bengaluru based Habba, Earthy Goods Foundation, Brahmaputra Fables, Sasha, Craftisan, Craftmark, Sangam, and Sadhna which work along similar lines for the betterment of local artisans, and one can always get in touch with them directly. Considering the tough times we're currently living in, local artisans are in dire need of our love and support, and buying their products is one way to do the same as what might just be a home decor accessory to us, can be their only source of income.
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