15th Chandigarh National Crafts Mela opens with a grand cultural showcase at Kalagram
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 28, 2025— The 15th edition of the Chandigarh National Crafts Mela began on a spectacular note at Kalagram on Friday, celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage through music, craft and folk performances.
The event, jointly organised by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) and the Department of Art and Culture, Chandigarh Administration, was formally inaugurated by UT Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad with the ceremonial beating of the ‘Dhol’.
Senior officials of the Chandigarh Administration, including Home and Culture Secretary Mandeep Brar, Culture Department Director Saurabh Arora, Personnel Secretary Swapnil, Finance Secretary Diprava Lakra, Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav, and the Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab, graced the occasion. NZCC Director Mohd Furqan Khan, who led several performances, was also present.
Kalagram came alive with the resonance of nearly three dozen traditional musical instruments from Rajasthan, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and other states. The orchestrated symphony, directed by NZCC Director Furqan Khan, left the audience captivated with its powerful fusion of folk tunes.
The cultural fervour continued with an impressive line-up of folk dances from different states, choreographed by renowned artist Sushil Sharma. The vibrant performance drew thunderous applause from the gathering.
As temperatures dipped, the energy of the audience rose when acclaimed ‘Dilruba’ maestro Prof Amandeep Singh took the stage. Dedicating his performance to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, he rendered soulful compositions including ‘Shaan’, Bulleh Shah’s famous kalaams, Sultan Bahu’s verses, and timeless works of Shiv Kumar Batalvi. His melodic rendition of Waris Shah’s ‘Heer’, along with ‘Mahiya’, ‘Tappe’, ‘Chhalla’, and traditional boliyaan, transported listeners deep into Punjab’s cultural ethos.
Tomorrow’s Highlight:
The star attraction on Saturday will be Sufi sensation Kanwar Grewal, who is expected to enthrall visitors with his popular devotional hits.
Mela Timings:
11:00 AM to 9:30 PM (Daily till December 7)