Suraj Kund Mela, (Delhi) Haryana, India, Feb 2008

Surajkund Crafts Mela 2008 began on 01 Feb 2008. External Affairs Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 15 day extravaganza which is the 22nd Mela at Surajkund (Sun Lake), Haryana (near Delhi). The state of West Bengal (WB) was the focus state this year. WB is known for its colorful and vibrant culture. The craftsmen and artisans from Bengal used this opportunity to showcase their culture and their craftsmanship. A wide range of masks, decorative items, handmade knick-knacks, etc. are showcased along with the music and dance of West Bengal. Folk artistes such as Dandia, Gharba. Tarangmail, Sambhalpuri Dance, Bihu, Panthi, Rai, Dhol Nagada, Chakri, Been Sapera, Ghoomer, and puppet show were held.

The Surajkund Mela is organized by Haryana Tourism and is held near Faridabad (outskirts of New Delhi). Visitors can’t help but get mesmerized by the wide variety of crafts and the rich culture of rural India. The festival was held for the first time in the year 1981. Every year a particular state is the focus of the mela. This year it was West Bengal. At this event one gets to see the wide & diverse culture as well as enjoy the musical extravaganza in the open air theater.

This time apart from craftsmen from various sates of India, crafts person from SAARC countries and from Thailand, Brazil, and South Africa have also been invited. In all 350 craftsmen and weavers are participating here, of which 61 are from West Bengal, the theme state. The handicrafts displayed and sold including leather Craft, Brass & Bell metal, Cane & Bamboo, Ceramic, Clay dolls, Dhokra, Horn work, Jute Products, Masks & Puppets, Papier Mache, Sandalwood Carving, Artistic Weaving, Printing & Painting, Baluchari Saree and Daccai, Cotton Sarees and Jamdani, Needlwork and Embroidery. For food lovers special stall highlighting delectable cuisine of West Bengal was set up. One could also savour cuisine of Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Himachal, Haryana, Maharashtra and Gujarat in addition to Chinese and Thai cuisine.