Surajkund Mela – A Crown to the Indian Art and Craft

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Surajkund-Mela-Info
Image – Tracy Hunter/Flickr

The Surajkund Mela is one of India’s most eminent fairs to receive acclamation internationally. Surajkund Mela is an annual affair that takes place in Surajkund Faridabad in the state of Haryana. The fair is an excellent representation of the vast art and craft that India beholds.  

Surajkund Mela is a colourful event that brings together various cultural and artistic traditions of India. People who love to bask in the indigenous heritage of the different cultures of the nation will love this affair for its authenticity. The gala is ideal to see and learn more about India’s aesthetic arts and crafts and other participating countries.  

Following is an insight into the cultural heritage that Surajkund Mela has become. The fair dates back a long time and has since then made its significance count for international recognition. 

History of Surajkund Mela 

History of Suraj Kund Mela 
Image – The Quint / Facebook

The Surajkund Mela first took place in 1987. Since its first event, the importance of the fair has bloomed to become the largest International Crafts Fair in the world. The event takes place every year from the 1st to the 16th of February.  

The fair highlights the local artisans of India. The event is a platform for people across India to promote their craft and get recognition as an artistic talent of India. The pompous affair receives a large number of footfalls. The fair’s popularity has spread so far and wide that it is now an essential attraction for foreigners visiting the country.  

Every year the theme of the fair differs and concentrates on a particular state of India. The theme state uniquely highlights its art and craft. The architecture, décor, and ambience of the fair also depend on the theme state.  

 Other countries also participate in the fair. The different nations bring their art and craft for all to witness. Unanimously, the fair becomes a kaleidoscopic arena to promote various aesthetic art and craft from across the world.  

Things to expect at the Surajkund Mela 

Things to expect at the Suraj Kund Mela
Image – Trail Voyage / Facebook

The Surajkund Mela is a lively event with splashes of colours, live music, dance performances, good food, and much more. All the different states of India and the other nations taking part in the fair bring alive the Delhi-NCR region with their vibrant artistic pop-ups. The entire occasion is something to look forward to.  

Following are some small details that make the bigger picture of the Surajkund Mela such a grand affair. 

Handmade Wonders of Surajkund Mela

Handmade Wonders of Suraj Kund Mela
Image – Wikimedia Commons

The primary purpose of the Surajkund Mela is to bring forth the critical importance of handmade crafts in the times of machinery products. Small local businesses are unable to sustain given the competitive preference of machine-made works. These businesses are given a place to make their scintillating mark in the Surajkund Mela.  

The mela is a witness to an abundance of high-quality handmade crafts. The age-old tradition of passing artistic knowledge from one generation to the next is what makes the affair so sought-after. Artists of different states represent their culture in a unique style. Their stalls contain a variety of products. Small home decorative products, giant portraits and sculptures, and even exquisite handloom fabrics to adorn your wardrobe are available here. Visitors will get to experience the cultural and traditional roots that come back alive in this gala.  

Taking an interest in these small businesses and encouraging their artistry can help these artists grow more. The Surajkund Mela is also important for the Exporters and Buyers Meet. Throughout the fortnight of festivities, the small enterprises have an opportunity to get recognition and expand their work further.  

Folk Art at Surajkund Mela

Folk Art at Suraj Kund Mela
Image – Acuteangle.in / Facebook

The Surajkund Mela is also a stage for folk cultures to highlight their tradition. The authentic aspects of different states and their distinctive performing arts are also a showstopper of the fair.  

After the sun sets, the fairground is lit with beautiful decorative lights. Strolling among the different stalls, you can enjoy the lilting tunes floating from the chaupals, tents housing the various states’ singers and musicians. You can also admire the gracious dance moves exquisite to each state. Witnessing a folk performance in that ambience will strike a chord with everyone.  

Try Different Food at Surajkund Mela

Try Different Food at Suraj Kund Mela
Image – Surajkund Crafts Mela / Facebook

When one thinks of fair, junk foods like cotton candy, fritters, ice cream are quintessential. In a cultural fair like Surajkund Mela, one can always expect to enjoy delicacies particular to different states of India.  

There are stalls of different states and other countries offering their culinary skills for all to taste. The wide variety of choices and dishes try to keep visitors even busier. Friends’ groups, family, acquaintances all can enjoy exceptional delicacies and discover new tastes of their liking. The foreign dishes are also distinctive and a must-try. 

Strolls at Surajkund Mela

Strolls at Suraj Kund Mela
Image – Acuteangle.in / Facebook

People with keen eyes for art and craft will take their own time observing and appreciating the things on display. The crowd around them will not bother their pace to enjoy the different artworks. 

The fair is more enjoyable when people visit the stalls and take their time to acknowledge the art properly. People in groups with their friends also get to enjoy a lovely time. Young people can even interact with the artists more efficiently and get an insight into the works.  

Joyrides at Surajkund Mela

Joyrides at Suraj Kund Mela
Image – Smart City Faridabad/Facebook

Joyrides are another primitive part of any fair. Children and adults equally enjoy these rides. Melas are the ideal place to relive once lost childhood.  

Ferris wheel, pendulum ride, disco cars are some everyday rides one can always enjoy in fairs in India. The Surajkund Mela also sports these rides to offer a wholesome experience to its visitors.   

Crafts-at-Surajkund-Mela
Image – Sakshi Kumar / Flickr

The Surajkund Mela is indeed a spectacular affair. The Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism and Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, and Culture and External Affairs organize the annual event. The resulting carnival is something to behold and to experience at least once by all. The international acclamation and other participating countries have made the Surajkund Mela a crown to the Indian art and craft. Supporting small handicraft businesses and experiencing the diverse tradition of India and other nations make the fair even more essential. The Surajkund Mela, since its first event, has become a marker of cultural heritage.  

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