Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
ZIMBABWEAN artisans are set to represent the country at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad, India, as the globally recognised cultural festival opens this Saturday, placing Zimbabwe’s creative sector on one of the world’s largest platforms for traditional arts and crafts.
The two-week festival, which attracts millions of visitors annually, forms part of ongoing cultural cooperation between Zimbabwe and India under a bilateral memorandum of understanding. Authorities say the country’s participation reflects a broader strategy to leverage culture as both a diplomatic and economic tool, while expanding market access for local creatives.
Zimbabwe’s delegation comprises skilled artisans and performers tasked with presenting the country’s diverse artistic heritage through handcrafted products, live demonstrations and cultural performances. The showcase is expected to highlight Zimbabwe’s strengths in stone sculpture, weaving, beadwork and other traditional crafts, while promoting the country’s identity to an international audience.
For the participating creatives, the platform represents more than cultural exchange; it is also a commercial opportunity in a competitive global market.
“I want to thank the government for promoting the arts industry by bringing us to this platform to showcase our culture and heritage,” one artisan said.
“I believe this platform will give us a chance to sell our crafts to a wider market.”
Officials overseeing the programme say Zimbabwe’s continued presence at the Surajkund Mela has helped strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries
“Our participation at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela is in line with our Zim-India MOU,” Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Honourable Emily Jesaya said.
“Your participation at the festival is not merely a visit, but it cements the bond we share. It’s a showcase of our longstanding bond,” the Second Secretary in the Indian Embassy in Zimbabwe, Mr Dina Barnwal noted.
As Zimbabwean creatives take their place among exhibitors from across the world, the country’s participation underscores a renewed focus on cultural diplomacy, heritage preservation and the economic potential of locally produced art.
