Indian craftsmen at International Crafts Fair in Etnomir, 20-21 September 2014
The social and cultural complex “Etnomir” in the Kaluga region hosted an International Crafts Fair on September 20 & 21. Crafts from about 20 countries and from various regions of Russia were displayed at the Festival. Two Indian craftsmen, Mr. Mohammed Bilal Khatri (Hand Block printing, also known as Bagh printing) and Mr. Kashinath Tripathi (Stone Carving), participated in the Festival, displayed their works and conducted master classes/workshops.
The Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation, H.E. P.S.Raghavan and Mrs Barbara Raghavan visited Etnomir on September 21. They walked along the “World Heritage Street” with pavilions depicting cultures of different countries of the world. The Indian Pavilion displays a variety of art objects, brochures and audio-visual material. An India House is in the final stage of completion and will house a museum of Indian art and cultural artefacts. Statues of famous Indian personalities like Mother Teresa and Swami Vivekananda can be seen on the grounds of the complex. Etnomir also has a 40-room India Hotel built in an Indian architectural style and with an Indian décor and ambience.
After their participation in the International Crafts Fair, the two Indian craftsmen held interactions/workshops in Moscow and St. Petersburg with various Russian institutions, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.
