By Chayanika Joshi
New Delhi, Feb 13 (UNI) Hunar Haat, a unique fusion of traditional handicraft and embroidery made by famed artisans from the Minority communities, combined with the authentic cuisine, prepared by culinary experts from different states of the country, is underway in the national capital. 'Preserving the rich traditional culture of our artisans is our duty," and to fulfill the same, the government has organised the second Hunar haat, with the help of the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) under the USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Sumptuous Awadh and Mughlai dishes from master 'bavarchis' of Lucknow and special cuisine of other states, along with some special display of craftsmanship, are enthralling the Delhiites, as the second edition of Hunar Haat started on Saturday in the State Emporia Complex at Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Connaught Place. One can relish the best from 'bavarchi khana,' where master cooks, who have inherited the art of cooking from their older generations, will be at work to give you the sizzling kebabs, tandoori chicken, delicious kormas and soft sheermals. Hunar Haat (Skill Haat) is an amazing gathering of talented artisans/craftsmen from every corner of the country, who have been provided an opportunity to showcase their skills at the national-international level under one roof. Artefacts made of cane and bamboo (from north-eastern states); cloth and embroidery chikan, brass artefacts, Jardoji clothe work (Uttar Pradesh); collection of pottery (southern states); sandalwood and other wooden artefacts and handicrafts (Bihar-Jharkhand); indigenous goods for domestic use from Bengal-Odisha and herbal products made from aloe vera, neem and tulsi are being showcased at the exhibition. To satiate the taste buds, different cuisines from 13 states are being brought by culinary experts. Awadhi Mughlai foods from Lucknow, dal bati churma & thali from Rajasthan, sandesh & rasogolla from West Bengal, Malabari food from Kerala, litti-chokha of Bihar, puran-poli from Maharashtra, dhokla & jalebi from Gujarat, Kashmiri Wazwan from J&K, bhutte ki khees, sabudana-kheer & khichdi from Madhya Pradesh. Diversity of India is resplendent at the 130 stalls set up to showcase the artwork and handcraft, besides a 'bawarchikhana,' where various cuisine from different parts of the country await you. UNI CJ RJ 1344