International artisans find a cultural home in Kozhikode

Nothing beguiles quite like a tale of longing and devotion. Every such story carries a visual leitmotif that defies borders. “Love translates beyond languages,” says Naimajon, a 51-year-old Russian-speaking artisan from Tajikistan.

At the international pavilion of the annual Sargaalaya International Arts and Crafts Festival in Iringal, Kozhikode, she explains the work of her husband, Mahsudchon, whose painting collection depicts the legendary star-crossed lovers, Laila and Majnun.

Ever since his first work, given as an anniversary gift, Mr. Mahsudchon has returned to this theme frequently, recreating their story across various objects, subtly changing a detail in every new iteration. Around 40 hand-painted plates and small frames adorn the stall. In one, the colour of Majnun’s cap changes, while in another, the shape of Laila’s earring is different.

While Mr. Mahsudchon focuses on the plates, it is Ms. Naimajon who paints and designs the vibrant array of bags, purses, small artworks, handmade puppets, and earrings that surround them. Pomegranates are a constant presence throughout her work, some whole, others split open, rendered in diverse shades of crimson. “The fruit symbolises love and sacrifice,” Ms. Naimajon says.

The international pavilion features artisans from 15 countries, along with participants from India, showcasing a wide range of traditional and contemporary craft forms.

Egyptian artisan Marva, who displays handmade leather bags, says she enjoys the interaction the festival offers. “People here are interested in talking about art,” she adds, hoping to return for future editions.

Wipawadee Lopez from Thailand says she works with a group of women from her village near Nonthaburi. “Many of them make jewellery from their homes, and they would be happy to know their work has travelled as far as India,” she says.

Nearby, an Israeli stall draws attention for its unusual canvas - dry ficus leaves. Artist Naor Moshe paints animals and landscapes on fallen leaves using acrylic paint. One leaf features a houseboat and coconut trees inspired by Kerala. A small note at the stall reads, “We write personal greetings on the leaves,” inviting visitors to interact.

At the Belarus stall, Marina exhibits linen and silk textiles dyed using natural sources such as flowers and bark. As the director of the House of Crafts and Folklore, she focuses on preserving traditional dyeing methods.

Similarly, the Sri Lanka stall stands out for its vibrant wooden masks. Gayan, attending for the third time, says communicating is easy: “The language and culture feel close, so it is easy to communicate with people, ” he says.

French tourists Claire and Julien, at the venue, admire the Syrian stall’s embroidery. “It feels personal and close to the heart. It amuses me to see how detailed the work of art is,” Mr. Julien says, adding that meeting the artisans made their visit memorable.