The Malawi delegation at the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Festival in India returned Monday through Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe after a two-week outing.
The country showcased traditional dances, through the Malawi National Dance Troupe, such as Gule Wamkulu, Msindo, Ngoma and Ingoma, with the last performance on Saturday.
This was the fourth time for Malawi to participate in activities at the festival, which ran from January 31 and ended on Sunday.
Apart from the Malawi National Dance Troupe, other members who made the delegation were Lawrence Daka (visual arts), Pearson Milanzi and Samuel Phiri (folk music) and Sellah Sizalande (basketry).
James Thole from the Department of Arts, who travelled with the Malawi National Dance Troupe as choreographer, said they did well in flying Malawi’s flag at the festival.
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“This year was, again, great; the performances from the Malawi National Dance Troupe won the hearts of people from the other countries. We also learned from the other countries,” Thole said.
He said at the festival, Malawi and five other groups performed for high-profile delegates to a conference.
Thole said, apart from performances, Malawi this year had two pavilions where crafts were showcased.
Sizalande said their participation at the festival was a learning experience for her.
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“I gained exposure to international markets, improved my understanding of branding and product finishing and built valuable global connections.
“Most importantly, it confirmed that Malawi’s handmade products have strong potential on the global stage,” she said.
Sizalande said she managed to sell all the baskets she had before the last day.
Organised by Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Culture and External Affairs, Surajkund Festival is the world’s largest crafts fair.
This annual event celebrates the lesser known folk traditions and cultural heritage of India with the aid of fine and performing artists invited from all over the world.
The festival was first held in 1987 and is renowned for its ability to attract lovers of arts and crafts from all over the world.
Over the years, the festival has come to occupy a place of pride and prominence on tourists’ calendar.
