New Delhi, Apr.2 (ANI): Cultural troupes of eight SAARC nations participated in a four-day-long fair aimed at empowering artisans and performers. The South Asian Festival titled the 'SASIAN Journey' was held in Delhi.
The fair was organized by the Heritage Foundation and Self Employed Women's Organisation (SEWA), in collaboration with prominent NGOs of the region in engagement with the Smithsonian Institution, USA.
The festival aimed at connecting artisans with the South Asian countries to generate fund for skill development and regional integration.
The fair witnessed the participation of artisans and crafts persons from Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Robin Amatya, one of the organizer's of Sabha Nepal, found India to be an ideal market to sell their products.
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"The Indian market has been very good for Nepalese products for Sabha Nepal. We make lot of natural products from natural fibre so we call it 'Alluhe' here and Alluhe' does very well every time when we come to Delhi, we get sold out besides Alluhe' we also do Dhaka fabric and products made from Dhaka fabric and Dhaka shawls. Even Dhaka fabric and Alluhe' does quite well in Indian market especially in Delhi," said Amartya.
Hafiza Ilari from Afghanistan said she visits India every year to showcase her exquisite products and feels happy to represent her country globally.
"I have participated in this exhibition with a hope of selling my products here in India and at the same time I wish all my products will be sold out and to expand my business. I am very much interested to come to the market to show case Afghanistan's embroidery products which is very famous in our country. I will try to display my good work to other countries and this one of the way to market Afghanistan's products in the international market," said, Hafiza Ilari, Participant, Afghanistan.
Artists from Nepal showcased their Madhubani paintings on Indian mythology.
"As we know, the Maithali region has been divided in both Nepal and India, In India, there are Maithali people who are involved with Madhubani art, but our art pattern is a little different to theirs, and dates back to more than 3000 years. The Janakpur women Development centre is the social venture in Janakpur. It has been established to support and inspire all marginalized women to create art work on particular types of paper and create products that can be sold and earned from to get an uplift in their living standards," said artist Santosh Mishra.