Sargaalaya arts festival draws global artisans to Iringal

Experience diverse arts, crafts, cultural performances, and traditional dishes at the Sargaalaya International Arts and Crafts Festival.

The 12th edition of the Sargaalaya International Arts and Crafts Festival which recently began at the Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village in Iringal, offers a diverse array of artistic displays and cultural experiences. The festival has drawn large crowds of art enthusiasts over the past week.

For the first time, the event is spread across the entire village. Theme villages focusing on handloom, Theyyam, Kalari, bamboo, terracotta, and woodcraft line the path to the main venue. A special pavilion featuring Arabic calligraphy on titanium has been introduced this year.

The international pavilion remains a major attraction, with around 35 artisans from countries, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Lebanon, Russia, Bulgaria, Egypt, Uganda, Thailand, Mexico, Iran, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Nepal, and Kyrgyzstan, participating in the event. International stalls feature items such as bags, jewellery, fridge magnets, and wool decorations. The Nepal stall, with its singing bowls and colourful ornaments, has been particularly popular.

The event also showcases leather puppets made by puppet master Ramachandra Pulavar, Aranmula metal mirrors, products made of screw pine leaves, unique wood works, hay portraits, and coconut shell products. Artisans from across India are participating, showcasing leather goods from Maharashtra and West Bengal, woodworks from Delhi and Haryana, and stone crafts from Uttar Pradesh. Textile crafts on display include Phulkari from Punjab, Chikankari from Uttar Pradesh, Bandhani and Ajrakh from Gujarat, Batik from Rajasthan, Bhagalpuri from Bihar, and Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh.

Additional attractions include a floating stage, cultural performances, and a food festival featuring traditional dishes from participating countries. The floating stage, located on the pond surrounding the village, hosts daily cultural events and tourism talk shows. Boating facilities on the nearby river further enhance the visitor experience. The festival will conclude on January 6.