Surajkund Crafts Mela 2012

A small but beautiful hillock in the State of Haryana comes alive with color and fanfare once in a year with the onset of Spring. An event which was initiated by the Haryana Tourism industry has now translated into an International fair known as the Surajkund Crafts Mela. The 26th Surajkund Crafts Mela started on February 1st amid many National and International dignitaries. The Mela has gained admiration from International bodies with participation of 12 countries including Artists from SAARC Nations. The Mela is different from other Melas because of its rural ambiance. The setting displays the authentic taste and flavors of India and Promotes traditional arts at international level. There's something very calm about thatch-roof huts under shades of trees. The ambiance of the Mela is spirited and enjoyable. You can easily plan a trip here as the Mela will continue till 15th of February. The Mela has lots of things to offer. A look at the Photo feature will stir up your hunger for this dream destination. 

The 26th Surajkund Crafts Mela has Assam as the Theme State and Thailand as the Partner. As  much as Assam is known for the mighty river Brahmaputra, one horn Rhino and mass production of rice it is also known for its mastery craftsmanship. Artists from this State are innovative with bamboo, jute and silks products. Assam's Chief Minister Tarun Gagoi also graced the occasion. 

The opening ceremony was a grand cultural display with performances from Indian States  and other Countries. The ceremony was enchanted by soulful musical performance from Kyrgyztan (Pic above) and dazzling dance performance from Uzbekistan (Pic below).  Host state Haryana also performed a traditional dance while Assam put up an enthusiastic Bihu dance accomapanied by cheerful Bihu songs.  

Young girls from Assam all dressed up in traditional attires display the vast arrays of  Indian cultures. Cultural shows are also part of the objectives of Surajkund Crafts Mela.  

The crowd turn up on the first day of the Mela was huge but the vast open space makes it easy and hassle free as seen in most Indian fair. According to the management numbers of visitors are expected to rise from thousands to lakhs.

The main objective of the Surajkund crafts Mela is to give solid platform to the local artists. They get international exposure at this level and also gets to interact with the buyers and art lovers. Since its main emphasis is on handmade crafts bamboo products are the most common. It's amazing how bamboo can be used as raw material to make different items for different uses. 

The site for the Mela is like an indigenous village. It is strangely beautiful. Here people from different Countries and States proudly walk around with their traditional attire. Seen here are two Congo dancers walking down the streets.

Woods and bamboos as kitchen wares

Beautiful handmade flowers from Nagaland. 

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah gets into the groove with some folk dancers. Festive moods prevails all over the place. It's a 15 days festival here. 

Ravan and Hanuman sighted at the same place. You could be in a dreamland where you get to meet different characters from different eras.

Gold plated jug and cups from Uzbekistan was one of the finest article I spot at the Mela. They have some remarkable cloths and carpets too. Afghanistan store is as usual known for carpet products. 

Thailand the Partner at this year's Mela has arrays of items for from parasols, to bags to girl's hair clips. You can also find rare products from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and South Africa. 

Food Court is on a little elevation from where the shops are located. It is so spacious and the whether is just right at this time of the year. For non-vegetarian it's could be a bit of a let down because there are no non- vegetarian stores. Food is cheap with most food items ranging at Rs. 50 and is considerably cheaper than most trade fair in the cities. Apart from the normal North Indian foods, Assam which has also the largest restaurant serves local thali at Rs 150. 

This amusement zone is located just outside the Surajkund Crafts Mela. It is a bonus-fun for families with kids.

Entry Fee to the Surajkund Craft Mela: Rs.50
How to Reach: The Nearest Metro Station is Tuglaqabad Metro Station. Autos are available from here.