A delegation of 5 artisans and 10-member cultural group from Ethiopia participated in the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which is being held from February 3 to 19 in Faridabad, Haryana. The Ethiopian cultural group presented a mesmerising ensemble of various traditional dances at the ongoing Mela. The event provides a unique opportunity for Ethiopia to showcases the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and traditional costumes of the country.
The Mela is organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs. A large number of renowned national and international folk artistes and cultural groups present day performances at both the Chaupals, the open-air theatres, located in the Mela premises. Also enthralling cultural evening programmes are held at the main Chaupal during each of the Mela evening. The Mela is indeed a custodian of the heritage crafts involving use of traditional skills that are fading away due to cheap machine made imitations, and a special section is earmarked for showcasing of these heritage crafts.