India’s 37th Surajkund International Craftmela |30 January 2024

High Commissioner Pande handing over the tickets to a young member of the delegation (Photo: Kurtrine Albert)

Seychelles’ talents set for global exposure

A group comprising 10 performers, two traders, five artisans, a technician and a head of delegation is set to leave Seychelles for Haryana, India tomorrow, to take part in the upcoming 37th Surajkund International Craftmela.

The annual event is taking place between February 2 and 18.

The delegation’s trip has been possible thanks to the Indian High Commission in Seychelles and the National Arts and Crafts Council (NACC).

This year, the focus will be on the youth of Seychelles, as well as trading between the two countries.

A sending-off ceremony was held yesterday afternoon at the National Theatre, Mont Fleuri, where the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles, Kartik Pande and NACC executive director Jimmy Savy handed over plane tickets to the 19 delegates, along with the necessary attires for the weather.

Mr Pande explained that the objective of the Craftmela is to invite master crafts people from everywhere and over the years it has transformed into a spectacular international occasion for viewing the finest handicrafts.

“It is the largest crafts fair in the world and it welcomes around one million people in the two weeks that it is held, meaning you will have a lot of exposure to different people,” said HC Pande.

Mr Pande added that he is overjoyed that the fair has become a regular part of the bilateral calendar.

“What is delightful for me is that youngsters are participating. They have a lot of energy,” added the Indian high commissioner.

Head of delegation, Benoit Julius said this year’s trip is a bit exceptional as traders will be engaging with their Indian counterparts and showcasing their artisanal products.

“There will be specific people who will guide them around and show them the potential of trading with India,” explained Mr Julius.

As for the performers, they have done the necessary rehearsals and prepared the right attires for ‘moutya’ and ‘sega’ dances, whereas the artisans have already set up all the items they will be travelling with such as coconuts. The latter’s preparations were done in collaboration with the Enterprise Seychelles Agency (Esa). Mr Julius said taking part in international events such as this one, is a huge publicity for Seychelles.

On his part, Mr Savy said the event is an opportunity to experience the Indian culture and those of other countries taking part. “We are honoured to be part of it,” said Mr Savy, adding that contrary to previous years where they opted to send well-established professional artists, this year NACC in collaboration with the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) has chosen a younger group for the trip.

“They have a bit of experience and they will be able to improve their act in the near future. I am sure they will deliver and proudly showcase the culture and tradition of Seychelles,” added Mr Savy.

During yesterday’s ceremony, the delegates also gave a preview of their performance.

Sunny Esparon