Despite a huge footfall, the first Chandigarh National Crafts Mela organised by Chandigarh Administration got a lukewarm response for the artisans.
Over 100 artisans across India have been camping at Kalagram here since October 24 with their handicraft items.
Bharat Mehar of Sonpur, Orissa, who is a national awradee for the silk saree ‘Basant Vihar’ did not get a stall and has been putting his cotton dress material without a display. Sriniwasan of Chennai (makes Tanjore paintings) and some others who reported on October 24 did not get a stall made inside the venue. The administration invited more artisans than the space available to them and over two dozen were forced to put up their shops outside the venue. The artisans of Nav Durga Handloom Women Welfare Group, Patiala lamented over the lukewarm response.