‘Our artworks break even before we reach Surajkund’

Visitors might be in awe of the beautiful artworks up for sale at Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017 (on till Feb 15), but the artisans have a far-from-happy story to share. Travelling hundreds of kilometres to take part in this annual fest, craftspersons say that on unwrapping their art pieces, they find many, well... in pieces! Kalu Pal, 55, who’s selling his intricate stoneware and God idols, shares: “I travelled more than 500km with 50kg of handicrafts. I took a bus from my village (Bagdah village) in Jharkhand to the Dumka region and from Ranchi took a train to Delhi. On the way, some artworks got chipped, and some cracked. I might have to go back home without profit.”

Sheroz Ahmed, a 32-year-old from Bulandshahar, UP, rues, “This is the second time I’ve set up a stall here for ceramic works, many of which broke during travel. I also had to book a personal carriage for my products. The government doesn’t pay for the travel, carriage, or the damage.”

Some end up paying extra out of their pockets to cover up for the loss. Madhubani artist Jeetu Bhatt, 45, says, “I had to rework on my damaged wooden pieces. This increased the cost of making. The colour and raw material in Delhi is also more expensive. Yet, no one values hard work. Buyers only want to haggle the price.”

I travelled more than 500km with 50kg of handicrafts to reach Faridabad. Some artworks got chipped, some broke KALU PAL, CRAFTSMAN FROM JHARKHAND

PHOTOS: AMAL KS / HT