| SURAJ KUND
CRAFTS MELA |
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| Celebrated In
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Haryana |
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| Celebrated
During :
1st to 15th February |
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| Main
Attraction :
Regional Handicrafts of Different
States |
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| With the launch of the Surajkund
Crafts Mela in 1981, Haryana Tourism set a precedent in organizing cultural
events on a national level. Now internationally famous, the fortnight long fair
also celebrates the rhythms of folk theatre - all of which endear one to the
simple charm of the Suraj Kund Mela village. |
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| The Crafts Mela celebrates the
finest handlooms and handicrafts traditions of country. Held in the month of
February from 1st-15th, the fair embodies the spirit that runs through the
people of India and its rich culture. The Suraj Kund Crafts Mela is held just 8
kms from South Delhi, at Suraj Kund. |
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| The Dazzling
Spectacle |
| Beneath thatched roof platforms, master
craftspersons carefully display the finest of handlooms and handicrafts from
all over the country. The event is so colorful and rich in experience, that
many a tourist has returned to visit it again and again. The prices are
relatively low compared to emporia, and some of the stuff can be amazing. |
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| Shops at the Mela bustle with the
brilliance of mirror encasing embroidery, delicate lace work, folk motifs on
terracotta forms, metal and cane-ware, the tinkle of bangles, shimmer of
iridescent silks and the jingle of toys and trinkets. The Suraj Kund Crafts
Mela is more than a celebration of crafts. At the fan shaped open-air-theatre
name 'Natyashala' rich folk dances and musical evenings are held throughout the
fortnight. |
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| The Irresistible
Cuisine |
| The fun-filled mela celebrations
every year, come as a mini food festival. Some of the popular food traditions
arrive from Punjab and South Indian delicacies come in from the South Indian
section. Popular Chinese and snack foods also arrive for the event alongwith a
special stall where patrons are introduced to the traditional foods and sweet
meats of the theme state. |
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| The Suraj Kund Crafts Mela also
comes as an event that celebrates the vibrant rhythms of folk theatre. All
these colourful events flower before the audience in the open-air-theatre named
Natyashala. |
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| Artistically
Dexterous Crafts |
| For the mela, some of the most delightful
crafts collections arrive from practically all over the country. In wood and
cane craft come inlay work from Punjab and rosewood carving, sandalwood from
South India. 'Chikri' woodcraft of Kashmir and some very fine cane craft come
from West Bengal and North Eastern states. Delicate 'Sholapith' and 'Shital
Patti' work come from Assam and West Bengal. |
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| In embroidery, the Phulkari of
Punjab, the 'Banjara' and 'Bunni' embroidery of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the
'Kantha' traditions from West Bengal and Tripura, lace and crochet from Goa,
the 'Suzni' of Kashmir and mirror encasing work alongwith the traditional
'Chikan' work of Lucknow delight. |
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In the section of floor covering the 'Namda'
and carpet of Kashmir, the 'Punja Durrie' of Haryana and Punjab, the woollen
druggets of Mirzapur and coir and rag carpets of south India fascinate the
visitors. Oxidized jewellery, seashell
decorations and agate stone work delight as also the delicate gold work and
chunky silver jewellery. Toys in wood and cane, ply and mud make the young
thrill with joy.
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| The fascinating 'Phad' paintings
of Rajasthan, the 'Kalamkari' of Andhra and Karnataka, temple paintings of
Orissa, 'Madhubani' of Bihar are also on display. In the metal section, tribal
'Dhora' work, classical South Indian metal work, glittering brassware, bell
metal and iron craft delight collectors. |
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