Surajkund fair - a paradise for craftsmen
This article gives a brief description about Surajkund fair which is held every year in Faridabad. This fair is famous for its art and crafts. In this fair, craftsmen come and display their talent from various parts of the world.
Surajkund mela is the annual fair that is organized at Surajkund which is located in Faridabad and is approximately 8 kms from Delhi.It is organized by Tourism department Ministry of Tourism and Haryana tourism. This annual festival showcases art and cultures of various forms for eg. embroidery, textiles, weaving, folk dance, cuisines, silk works, jewellery designing, wood and stone works and numerous other forms of art. Every year a theme state is selected and the art and culture of that state is showcase among the audience.First time the fair was started in 1981, since then it is organized every year. The fair is truly international as it has large number of visitors and craftsmen coming from SAARC nations and also from neighbouring countries. This year the fair was held from 1st February to 15th February 2013. Theme state for the Surajkund handloom fair was Karnataka. This mela displays folk dances in 'Natyashala' also the visitors enjoy music and dance in open air theatre. The fair is set in the rural background which is inspired by the theme state which is selected every year. This year Africawas chosen as the partner country.
History of surajkund
The Surajkund is said to have been built in 10th century by King Tomar king Suraj pal who belonged to Tomar dynasty. He was believed to be the sun worshipper.The name Surajkund is therefore inspired by his name only.
Highlights of Surajkund fair 2013
This year craftsmen participated from countries like Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh etc. This year 50% rebate on the mela ticket was given to differently abled and senior citizens . Complete ban was imposed on plastic/ polythene bags. This year the mela tickets could also be obtained through online e-ticketing. Apart from these attractive highlights,a huge relief for the visitors was ample parking space. Another feature of this fair was the electronic toilets which were introduced first time this year in which gates could be opened by putting a coin, these toilets were completely hygienic. This year battery operated rickshaws and golf carts were available on request for senior citizens.
This year the annual fair included arts and crafts such as ivory, stone works, textile, exquisite paintings, terracotta, mirror embroidery work. The handicrafts included the finest works from potters, weavers, painters, metal workers, wood carvers etc. This annual fair also entertained its audience throughout the fortnight with its folk dances, music , magical shows which are held in"Natyashala" and open air theatre. The fair provided an excellent opportunity for shoppers to buy a variety of attractive products at a reasonable prices.These products illustrated great works of art andranged from paintings, textiles, stone works, idols, handlooms, embroidery products, glass work products and many more.
The fair offered traditional cuisines from different parts of the country.This fair consisted of tastes from different parts of the country with a large variety of food items ranging from south Indian dishes, north Indian dishes, Indo-Chinese food stuff and many more.
Surajkund mela is a platform to display art and culture of various kinds. The fair has attained a huge reputation among neighbouring countries with craftsmen and visitors coming from various parts of the world
The author has given a detailed description of the information about the International Fair to be held on a large scale in the country, which is commendable.
In the information given by the author, I would like a little correction, history studies of the fair reveal that this fair was first held in 1987 at Surajkund in the Aravali forest area of Faridabad.
Every year in February, tourists used to come and enjoy this fair. This time the 35th International Surajkund Fair was to be held but due to Corona, the government has decided to postpone it. This fair held used to be a confluence of artists and arts from abroad.