Haryanvi attire the favourite as Surajkund fair comes to a close

Faridabad, February 18

Traditional Haryanvi attires were a popular favourite at the 37th Surajkund International Crafts Mela that concluded on Sunday. Many visitors bought colourful gota chunnis, 52-yard daman (traditional skirt) and kurtas.

“The vibrant depiction of the rural environment and heritage at the Apna Ghar Haryana exhibition was another initiative to connect youth with the ancient culture, which seems to be getting lost in this modern era,” said Anju Dahiya, a participant in the fair.

“Haryana’s traditional attire of daman, kurta and gota chunni may have lost the relevance with time, but had not been completely out as visitors, including foreigners, showed interest in purchasing many such items during the fair,” she said.

She said daman worn by the women of the state used to weigh up to 8 kg, while folk jewellery also used to be equally heavy. She said there is a need for a drive to revive and maintain the culture in context of the modern way of dressing. “I have preserved 29 of the 52 ornaments from the ancient times,” she said.

She said while efforts were on to preserve and popularise handicrafts and old heritage of villages through heritage exhibitions, the Dahala (large bed) exhibited here had been about 150 years old.

In ancient times, Dahala was kept in the village Chaupal, and up to 10 people could sit on it at a time. This item left the visitors not only thrilled but also surprised due to its uniqueness, she added.

Besides, several items of daily use were also displayed in the 17-day event.