As spring glides in, full of warmth and vibrancy leaving the gray winter behind, Surajkund adorns itself with colorful traditional crafts of India. Craftsmen from all over the country assemble at Surajkund during the first fortnight of February to participate in the annual celebration known as the Surajkund Crafts Mela.
Out of the dust of Delhi was born India’s celebrated craftsmela, the Surajkund Crafts Mela, which began in 1987 and it took off as a platform for local artists and craftsmen in 1981.Surajkund derives its name from an ancient amphitheatre, the sun pool, which dates back to the 10th Century.
The theme of the fair changes every year. Andhra Pradesh was been chosen as this year’s theme. The organizers, Surajkund Mela Authority comprising the Union Ministry of Tourism and Textiles and Haryana Tourism, have tried to capture the nuances of village life down to the minutest details.
The dances by colorfully dressed performers from Andhra Pradesh are a visual treat as musical notes lend a zing to the air.
An added attraction this year has been the participation of Thailand besides representatives of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), putting Surajkund on the international map.
You can shop till you drop and, if you are not in the mood of shopping there’s a lot more the mela offers in terms of theatre, folk dances and musical evenings.
The Surajkund Crafts Mela is held in the picturesque Surajkund Tourist complex of Haryana Tourism and reaching there is not at all difficult .One can reach there by air, by road or by rail.
The highlight of this mela is that the best craft products from all across the states of India are displayed at a single place where you can not only just feel them but also purchase them. It is one colorful festival where you can witness the various shades of India as well as possess small portions of the country through the wares displayed. This is one Indian festival that should not be missed.
Source: The Tribune
