The 31st International Surajkund Mela, Faridabad, Haryana has been full of colours and vibrancy of Jharkhand, the theme state of the Mela. Starting from 1st February, each day a carnival is held along the landscape of the sites promoting and propagating multiple diversities and complexities of the state which has bewitched the visitors of the Mela. To add to the brilliance of the mela was the Fashion Show which was held at the site on 11th February where the rich art and craft of the state was exhibited.The well renowned fashion designer of India, Rina Dhaka and Varija Bajaj were the face behind the show whose fashion line, inspired by the art of Jharkhand was exclusively previewed for the first time. The designs of Rina Dhaka and Varija Bajaj, leading fashion designers of our country who have a huge following not just in India but all over the world were rolled out on the show.PHD CHAMBER of Commerce industry partnered with Department of Tourism, Government of Jharkhand to organise the fashion show. Mr. Rohit Kumar, Director-States PHD CHAMBER said that the PHDCCI believes in promoting the small and micro sectors of the economy. Hence the fashion show focused on Jharcraft wherein, the art and craft of Jharkhand was on full display thereby providing the craftsmen of Jharkhand national and international platform.
Mr. Rohit Kumar also sated that Varija Bajaj has launched a new series of Jharcraft fabric which was launched simultaneously in 40 countries today. The vision of the fashion show was to present Jharkhand as a fashion statement and go beyond just garments. Jharkhand is rich in art and culture and portraying the same art on the fabric is a great and appreciable step by Rina Dhaka that altogether promoted and enhanced the beauty of Jharkhand.The models walked on the ramp dressed with a fusion of Jharkhand art and the main stream. Models exhibited the stylised costumes of various tribes wearing the Chhau masks and the tribal jewellery. The designs and clothing range are put up for sale, in the urban centers world over and through Jharcraft portal for the ardents of craft and fashion.The Set Design was inspired by the World Famous NAULAKHA TEMPLE of Jharkhand and would be a true reflection of the rich heritage of the state.A major business announcement was made on the day of the fashion show where Rina Dhaka formally launched her Jharkhand Inspired Collection for retailing and Varija launched her “VARIJA for JHARCRAFT” range.Noted Bollywood Singer, Shibani Kashyap, the show stopper of the show was the talk of the show.The fashion show was a manifestation of the art, culture, crafts, handloom and its heritage not only within India but also beyond its boundaries.
The event kick started with an audio visual clipping which took the audience to an enthralling journey of Jharkhand. The presence of eminent personalities like Mr. Raj Palliwar, Labour minister Jharkhand, Mr. Ram Billas Sharma, Minister tourism(Haryana), Mr. Rahul Sharma, Secretary Tourism and Culture, Jharkhand, Mr.Waghmare Prasad Krishna, Director Tourism, Jharkhand, Mr.V.S Kundu, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism, Haryana, Mrs Seema Trikha, Chief Parliamentary Secretary cum Minister Tourism, Haryana, highlighted the event.Varija Bajaj introduced Jharkhand’s most famous tussar silk, keeping the Indian touch alive. She very well played with fabrics and the designs by her were a delight to watch.Rina Dhaka came out with a modernised fashion wear using Jharkhand’s famous silk. Her designs had a contemporary and modern edge which took the show to a different level. The designs exhibited by leading designers Rina Dhaka and Varija Bajaj were greatly admired by the audience. The motto of the fashion show was fulfilled when the models walked on the ramp with adresses made of Jharkhand silk where the designer not only played with the fabric but also showcased how beautifully and innovatively, Khadi, silk and other fabrics can be used as a fashion statement.The audience also witnessed some of the Tribal Dance forms, which includes, Saraikela Chhau, Santhali dance, Marshal art dance presented by Birhor tribe, Maanbhoom Chhau, which elevated the beauty of the event.