Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, 19 October 2024: Around 600 stalls of handicrafts from more than 300 states have been set up at the Saras Mela being held in Sector 88 in Mohali (Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar), where stalls of marble, wood, fabric and decorative items are becoming the center of attraction of the fair. In the fair, artisans from the Agra region of Uttar Pradesh have displayed various types of sculptures by carving marble strips and have beautifully embroidered them with colors and beads. The handmade marble items here include elephants, lions, water fountains, chess, cows, Gautam Buddha statues, beautiful vases, lamps, stools and other decorative items. Apart from this, everyday kitchen items like chakla, masala making kund with dasta, bada kund and dasta are also becoming the center of attraction. Handicraft artist Salim Qureshi Agra told that this is his ancestral work, which his family has been doing for the last 60 years. Earlier this work was done by his grandfather, father Akbar. He said that a single piece is used to prepare these marble images, which is carved with a chisel and hammer and then engraved with beads and paint. This work is done by all the members of the house, male and female. Beads and paint are used to decorate/polish any object made of marble. A layer of paint is applied on the marble with the help of fire, which makes the color come out solid and vibrant. He also told that all the items brought in the stall set up in this fair are all handmade and each piece is unique in itself and has no joints. Handmade items are more durable. Salim Qureshi told that his products are sent abroad as well as in India. A large number of people were seen at the stalls in Saras Mela today. People were praising the craftsmanship of these artisans and were shopping with interest. According to Sonam Chaudhary, Nodal Officer of the fair (Additional Deputy Commissioner, Development), the arrival of Saras Mela in Mohali for the first time is attracting a lot of people. She said that apart from these fine handicraft items, delicious dishes from different states are also the center of interest of the people. She said that the fair will run from 10 am to 10 pm every day till October 27.