Fri Dec 20 14:18:31 UTC 2024: ## Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Festival Opens in Kozhikode

**KOZHIKODE, December 20, 2024** – The 12th Sargaalaya International Arts and Crafts Festival (SIACF) commenced Friday at the Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village in Iringal, Kozhikode. This year’s 18-day festival boasts over 300 artisans from 15 countries and 24 Indian states, alongside approximately 200 craft hubs.

A highlight of the festival is the introduction of eight themed villages showcasing traditional crafts like Theyyam, handloom weaving, terracotta, spice production, wood carving, bamboo work, Kalaripayattu, and Arabic calligraphy. Numerous stalls feature Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products, sponsored by the Indian government’s Office of the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts.

Visitors can also enjoy a diverse food festival spanning 20 kiosks offering traditional dishes from various Indian states. Entertainment options include an underwater tunnel aquarium, boating, a book fair, a cartoon zone, and a tourism talk show. Cultural performances by renowned artists are scheduled throughout the festival.

Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas will officially inaugurate the festival on Sunday. The festival will conclude on January 6th.

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