From Lebanon to Surajkund, this craftsman makes journey of hope

Faridabad: In the ceasefire in Israel's war against Hamas and Hezbollah, Lebanese artisan Nooradin has found a silver lining.

The 25-year-old from Tripoli in north Lebanon has made it to the Surajkund Mela — India's largest handicrafts fair that got under way in Faridabad on Friday.

Returning for the second time with his mother, Nooradin has brought with him a wide range of items — from handcrafted keychains and bags to earrings and sculptures — and dreams of renewal.

"War took away everything, but this fair rekindles new hope in people like us," Nooradin said.

On the first day of the fair, he has already attracted 50 customers. Last year, the family had eked out a 30-40% profit at the fair. Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini and tourism minister Arvind Sharma inaugurated the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela on Friday. Over 15 lakh visitors are expected to visit the fair, which will remain open till Feb 23.

This year, the fair will feature artists, weavers and crafts-persons from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and 50 other countries.

Nooradin is hoping to make it big at the fair this time, especially after mounting losses at home due to the war.

"Our business was severely impacted due to the war. The ongoing conflicts have triggered widespread migration, resulting in a diminished consumer base for cultural goods and services. India, with its deep reverence for cultural heritage and artistic expressions, gives us immense joy and hope. People here are not just interested in purchasing. They also actively enquire and demonstrate genuine curiosity about products," Nooradin said. For him, the fair represents more than just a commercial opportunity — finding customers who appreciate and support artisans.

However, his 54-year-old mother, Fatima, pointed out that their country's representation was dwindling at the fair with each passing year. "It seems this year, we are the only ones from Lebanon at the fair," she rued.

Back in their hometown, the family owns four retail shops. "We also have a copper and brass manufacturing facility where we produce our merchandise independently. This is what we have brought to India. Our product range includes miniature sculptures, bracelets, and artistic bags among other things," she said.

Ramadhani Nassoro (54) is another artist at the fair. From Tanzania, he has come to Surajkund for the first time to showcase his country's Makonde art with a friend, Rebeka (53).

"East African sculptures and modern paintings produced by artisans from the Makonde tribe are known as Makonde art. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it serves as a significant representation of African heritage, traditions and artistic expression," he said.


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