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The
Surajkund Crafts mela, organised annually by the Haryana Tourism, has
become an important part of the international tourist calender. Held
at a time when the winters are mild and the sun pleasant, the mela
attracts thousands of tourists every day during the 15-day event held
annually.
Come the first of Feburary, all roads lead to the Surajkund Crafts Mela — a mosaic of craft, culture and colour. The Surajkund Mela opens to visitors at 9.30 a.m. and ends at 7pm. The Natyashala-cum-open air theatre comes alive with the rhythm and beats of folk dancers, musicians from all parts of the country every evening. This year’s cultural calendar included a Kathak recital by Prerna Shrimali, Bharatanatayam by Rama Vaidyanathan and Odissi dance by Madhumanti Sengupta. In addition to this, cultural dance troupe from Sri Lanka also performed. A Hasya Kavi Sammelan, cultural evenings hosted by Maharashtra, Haryana and Punjab were other highlights. This year was dedicated to the beautiful and colourful state of Maharashtra. The vibrant and dynamic state’s imposing replica of Trimurti from the world famous Elephanta caves, a world heritage site, greeted visitors. More than 350 artisans and weavers from all over the country — most of them recipients of the President’s awards — showcased the rich heritage of handlooms and handicrafts. For the first time, craftsmen and weavers from countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Burma and Bangladesh displayed their crafts. The participations were facilitated by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Located eight km from South Delhi, Surajkund is accessible by road. The Haryana Tourism Corporation and the Surajkund Mela have painstakingly made meticulous arrangements to make a visit to the mela a pleasant experience. Clean drinking water was made available to visitors. The mela organisers tied up with private corporate houses to provide other necessary facilities like clean and hygenic toilets. Elaborate security arrangements were made to ensure visitors’ safety. To supplement the contingents of the Haryana Police on duty, private security services were also engaged. Due attention was paid to ensure enough parking space for vehicles, especially on weekends. The food court within the mela premises served traditional Maharashtrians food which included pav bhaji, puran poli, a sweet dish made from Bengal gram and jaggery, vada pav, the common man’s burger, a tangy, easy-to-eat potato and bread snack very popular in the streets of Mumbai. In addition, cuisine from all over the country, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Southern India was also available, much to the delight of the cosmopolitan visitors. Around 250 artistes representing major communities of Maharashtra participated in the inaugural and closing ceremonies as also in cultural shows at the Natyashala. Besides, various folk artist groups such as bailpol, bhugunda/ bahurupi, Shabhhavedh Govinda Patthak and Mallakhamb of Maharasthra also performed at various stages in the mela during the action-packed fortnight. Day performers, kolattam of Andhra Pradesh, dangi of Gujarat, kalbelia of Rajasthan, Brij ki holi of Mathura, tehra tali of Rajasthan, bhangra and giddha by well-known Punjabi artistes and Haryana’s drum beaters of Banchari and Gharwa also made the mela more lively. A fashion show was also held showcasing models displaying the rich, and colourful fabrics of Maharashtra, especially the traditional Paithani sarees, visualized and presented by the renowned fashion desighner Shaina N.C . of Mumbai. For the past 20 years, the Surajkund Mela is being held as an annual event in the first half of every year. Lakhs of people from Delhi and surrounding areas as well as foreign tourists visit the mela. So, it has now become a "must see" event for all those who love the latest in Indian arts and crafts. |
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