Chandigarh, 05 December 2025:Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh,visited the 15th Chandigarh National Crafts Mela on its 8th day.

During the event, book titled ‘Naatya Shastra’ by Dr. Rajesh Kumar Vyas was launched by the Governor. The Governor also honoured four senior folk artists of various States with Rs. 2.5 Lakh each and two youth folk artists with Rs. 1 Lakh during the event.

The Mela, jointly organised by the North Zone Cultural Centre and the Chandigarh Administration, continued to showcase a variety of cultural performances, artisanal crafts, and traditional cuisine, offering visitors an immersive experience of India’s diverse cultural heritage.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that he was delighted to be part of this grand celebration, which reflects the diversity and cultural richness of India. He congratulated the North Zone Cultural Centre and the Chandigarh Administration for providing a national platform where artists, artisans, and cultural enthusiasts come together. He added that festivals like the Craft Mela play a vital role in promoting unity, preserving artistic traditions, and strengthening the cultural fabric of the nation.

The Governor further stated that the Craft Mela is much more than an exhibition — it serves as a strong bridge between rural and urban India. Visitors not only admire handmade products but also learn about the cultural value and craftsmanship behind them. Applauding the participating artisans, he said they are the true custodians of India’s cultural legacy. He highlighted that initiatives such as Vocal for Local, Make in India, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat are helping preserve and promote traditional skills, ensuring they are carried forward to future generations.

He also appreciated the efforts made to involve school children, promote cultural learning, and inspire the younger generation to take pride in India’s artistic identity. Reaffirming full support from the Administration for future initiatives, he encouraged visitors to support artisans by purchasing handmade products and contribute to strengthening rural livelihoods. Describing the event as a representation of the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, he congratulated the award-winning performers and extended best wishes for the continued success of the Mela. He also called upon the city residents to come to this the mega event and help promote the handicraft items crafted by artisans.

The evening witnessed a power-packed cultural performance by internationally acclaimed Punjabi folk-pop singer Manmohan Waris, whose energetic and soulful renditions including Kaleje Teer, Kalli Beh Ke Sochi Ni, and Do Tara Vajda We enthralled the audience and added to the festive spirit of the event.

Present during the occasion were Sh. Vivek Pratap, Principal Secretary to Governor; Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary- Secretary Culutre UT Chandigarh; Sh. Sorabh Arora, Director Culutre; Sh. Furqan Khan, Director NZCC alongwith other officials of Chandigarh Administration.