Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
THE 39th edition of the 16-day Surajkund International Crafts Mela concluded on Sunday in Faridabad, with Zimbabwean artists and artisans describing the global showcase as a major platform that has positioned the country as a cultural powerhouse.
As the world-renowned crafts fair drew to a close, members of the Zimbabwean delegation met with the country’s Ambassador to India, Stella Nkomo to reflect on their experiences and lessons learnt, particularly on transforming art into sustainable business ventures while preserving cultural heritage.
Zimbabwean Head of Delegation, Priscillah Viriri said participation at the fair offered valuable cultural and commercial exposure.
“Our being here has taught us a lot. We have learnt about Indian culture, from food to art and craft,” she said.
Artists noted that Zimbabwe’s exhibition stand attracted significant interest, with many visitors drawn to the country’s unique crafts.
“We have been exposed to different cultures and people loved our crafts, especially the flamingos. This shows that art is a tool for soft power that we can leverage on as a country,” artist Nyasha Rushwaya said.
Another participant, Kennedy Kachuruka, highlighted the impact of Zimbabwe’s traditional dance performances.
“What made us stand out were our strong Zimbabwean dances. They are highly energetic and very different from Asian dances. Our high-energy performances kept audiences captivated. We even collaborated with Mozambique, we learnt their dances and taught them our own cultural dances,” he said.
Ambassador Nkomo expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the exhibition, saying cultural exchanges such as the Surajkund Mela strengthen bilateral ties between Zimbabwe and India.
“I am happy with the Zimbabwe–India partnership, which has culminated in us cementing our position as a Global South powerhouse in terms of culture. I also extend appreciation to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for continually strengthening Zimbabwe–India relations,” she said.
Zimbabwe and India maintain cordial relations across trade, energy, sport, culture and the arts, with platforms such as the Surajkund International Crafts Mela serving to deepen cultural diplomacy and expand market opportunities for local creatives.
