Exhibition of National and International Handicraft in Surajkund Mela

31 Jan 2021 by Swati Mamgain

Surajkund is an ancient reservoir of the 10th century situated on the Southern Delhi Ridge of Aravalli range in the Faridabad city of Haryana state that is around 8kms from south Delhi. The artificial Kund- Surajkund was constructed in the backdrop of the Aravalli hills with an amphitheatre shaped embankment built in semicircular form by the King Surajpal of the Tomara dynasty in the 10th century. Surajkund is renowned for organising Surajkund Mela, a unique international craft festival. This festival is a platform for artists across the globe to present their culture and talent. 

Surajkund Mela is hosted by the Haryana Tourism Department in Surajkund annually. This pretty festival first took place in the year 1987 and thereafter its importance has grown to become the largest international crafts fair in the world. This grand Mela beautifully showcases and helps in promoting the talent and culture of local artisans in India. 

Highlights of Surajkund Mela

The country India is a fine blend of vibrant cultures and traditions that are beautifully showcased at Surajkund Mela. The major highlight of this Mela is that one Indian state gets the special honour of being the Theme State of the year. This concept was brought into consideration to promote the art, craft, culture and cuisine of one state per year. It is so amazing to see that whole Surajkund Mela right from the entrance to the grounds, furniture, colour, décor, is fully based entirely on that particular state.   Visit Delhi Tour Package

Beautiful Handicraft goods are showcased in the Mela that makes one understand the expert craftsmanship and creativity involved of the people belonging to different regions, culture, and countries. 

Enjoy lip-smacking delicacies of different places that surely will take you on a gastronomical ride.
Witness the vibrant folk performances at the Chaupals and the open-air theatre Natyashala inside that showcases the place’s cultural distinctiveness. 

  • Enjoy the skits performed by the youth at different venues of the Mela that mostly showcases the social issues that are affecting our society. The skit focuses on highlighting the issues and making people understand those issues.
  • Attend the Musical evenings at the Natyashala where the best of musicians from different states come together to treat your ears to the soothing and calming traditional music of different areas of the country. 
  • Take a joyous helicopter ride over Surajkund. The authorities of Surajkund offers visitors to indulge in the activity of enjoying the ariel views of the fair and the surrounding areas at a relatively nominal price for about 6 to 10 minutes. It was previously operated by Pawan Hans but now it is offered by Heritage Aviation Private limited. One can buy the ticket from the official Mela website. 
  • Have fun with many rides and swings at the Amusement zone. From Ferris Wheel to Bungee Jumping to video games there are numerous option to enjoy at this Mela. 

Grab some beautiful handicrafts items on your next visit to Surajkund Mela. This large fair offers a wonderful range of handmade products. Some include- textiles, pretty paintings, items made from wood, ivory, stonework, lacquerware, cane. Pottery, home décor, organic and ayurvedic goods.

There are other Indian crafts items like Sandalwood and rosewood carving from south India, Banarasi Sarees from Varanasi, Madhubani painting from Bihar, Puppetry and spices from Rajasthan, Tibetan bells and clothes from North East, Famous Chikri woodcraft of Kashmir, Unique cane craft and Kantha traditions of west Bengal, Phulkari embroidery from Punjab, Terracotta items from Delhi, Banjara, Bandhani and Bunni embroidery of Gujarat, Lace and crochet from Goa, Chikan work of Lucknow. 

There are some international crafts too that you can purchase from Surajkund Mela- 

Brass ornaments, mulberry paper stationery and celadon ware from Thailand, Carpets, pottery, mosaic, and glass lanterns from Egypt, traditional folding fans, porcelain and Lacquerware from Japan, and tea, Batik fabric and gems from Sri Lanka. 
Indian Theme based on folk and food

The folk performances of the Theme state can be seen throughout the festival. Enjoy the vivid dance performances here. Head towards the Natyashala- an amphitheatre designated for folk performances inside the Mela. Seeing the performances is not only a visual delight but also a good opportunity to learn the traditions of different cultures of India. Holding cultural gigs- skits, fold dance performances, Street plays, musical evenings, Kavi Sammelan and stunt shows will surely be a treat to your eyes and ears throughout the day.

The Surajkund Mela is also the go-to place for all the foodies. If one is in love with the flavours and spicy cuisines of India right down to its street food then yes this fair is truly heaven for them. Try some lip-smacking delicacies of different states and regions as the various food stalls and the enormous food court of Surajkund Meal will surely make your day worth it. From Begun bhajis of Kolkata, Sarso Da Saag of Punjab, Litti Chokha of Bihar, Sambhar Vada of South India, Dum Aloo of Kashmir, momos and Thukpa of Nagaland, Suajkund Mela has something to satisfy your taste buds.  

Countries take part in SurajKund Mela

Around 20 countries take part in Surajkund Mela. Countries like Egypt, Thailand, Africa, Sri Lanka Lebanon and Japan take part in the Surajkund Mela. The number is expected to rise in the coming years. 

When and where is the Suraj Kund Mela organised?

The grand Surajkund Mela is celebrated in February for a good 16 days and is celebrated in Surajkund, Faridabad Haryana. This festival beautifully holds the traditional folk dances, musical shows, puppet skits and showcases the rich culture and traditions of the states. 

Entry fee to Surajkund Mela

The Surajkund Mela ticket price is Rs 120/- per person on Weekdays and rs. 180/- per person on weekends. The Surajkund Mela organising authority provides a 50 per cent rebate on the entry ticket of differently-abled people, senior citizens, serving soldiers, and war widow and their dependants. College and school students get a discount of 50 per cent on entry tickets on weekdays provided they produce their valid id cards at the time of purchasing the Surajkund Mela tickets. 

Apart from Surajkund Mela, one can explore stunning nearby places that lie in the pristine untouched state-

Surajkund Lake

Surjajkund Lake was built in the 10th century AD by Raja SurajPal. Theis Sun Pool is near the fair venue and is a reservoir-cum-lake. It is in the shape of a rising sun with an eastward arch and is enclosed within a steep embankment in a semi-circular shape with stone steps leading down. This lake fills up during the monsoon and one may spot the dancing peacock here. 

Surajkund Hot Spring

Surajkund Hot Spring is lying 600 m south of Surajkund. There is a small natural hot spring- Siddha Kund. This pool is filled with fresh hot water oozing from the crevices in the rocks and is frequented by the pilgrims. It is believed that the water of this pool is a great remedy for aching joints and many skin diseases. 

Anagpur Dam

Anagpur dam was constructed in the 8th century AD and lies almost 2kms southwest of Surajkund. It was built by Firuz Shah Tughlaq. Witness the ruins of ancient fortifications in the neighbouring Aravalli hills that lend credence to the belief that there existed a town once. 

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the southern ridge of the northern terminal of the Aravalli ranges. It is one of the most loved places. It is home to various species of birds and animals including reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. It is indeed a paradise for all nature and wildlife lovers. The major attraction here is the myriad birds that flock to this place in the migratory season that makes it one of the best place to explore.

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