24th SURAJKUND CRAFTS FAIR

Dear Friends,

The famous "Surajkund Crafts Mela" is not only a fair but this is an event full of diverse cultural activies as well. Mr. Indraneel Sen of Delhi was recently in this fair. He is before you with a Photo Feature on this unique event.

---Dr. Pankaj Sharma

Surajkund is situated in Faridabad (Haryana) which is very near to the Capital city of India, New Delhi and is famous for an annual Fair. This Fair (which is held every year from 1st February-15th February) is a joint venture of Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India and the Govt. of Haryana. The Fair is an attraction for its settings and for the display of workmanship of artisans from the Indian continent, SAARC nations and the countries rich in folk, craft and culture. Keeping in view the rich heritage & flavours of India, Haryana Tourism Deptt. organizes this unique fair popularly known as the "Surajkund Crafts Mela" every year. The central stage of this crafts fair is the Chaupal where folk artists dressed in traditional attire draw the attention of visitors by their intoxicating music, rhythmic dances, the vibrant beats of drums, foot tapping music and various cultural activities.
This year the fair was inaugurated by Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Hon’ble Vice President of India in the presence of Governor and Chief Minister of Haryana, Union Minister Of Tourism, & Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Ashok Gehlot. Among other dignitaries present, were Shri Sujit Banerjee, Secretary, Tourism, Government of India, the Chairman of Surajkund Mela Authority, Shri Sanjay Kothari, Additional Secretary - Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Ambassadors from Tajikistan, Arab Republic of Egypt and Armenia and Minister Counsellor (Commercial), Thailand. 23 states of India and various countries like, Tajikistan, Egypt, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Bangladesh have joined hands to put up an unbelievable show of handlooms and handicrafts this year. In all 417 craftspersons from India and 31 artisans from other countries are participating in this year’s mega event. Renowned dancers of Kalbelia and Khartal from Rajasthan, Ghumar from Haryana, Chhaw of Purulia (West Bengal) along with the performers from Tajikistan and Thailand are taking part at Choupal, the open air theatre. To conclude, this fair leaves a deep impact on the visitors and is a must visit.

--Report and Photographs by- Indraneel Sen, New Delhi.