A splash of colours, rhythm of drum beats and joy
de-vivre merge at Surajkund in Faridabad, Haryana during the first fortnight of
each February. The curtains go up on the acclaimed annual Surajkund
International Crafts Mela from 1st February onwards, a celebration of Indian
folk traditions and cultural heritage.
Occupying a place of pride on the
international tourist calendar,
more
than a million visitors throng the Mela during the fortnight including
thousands of foreign tourists. The Surajkund Mela is unique as it showcases the
richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of
India, &
is the largest crafts fair
in the world.
The Mela is organized by the
Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union
Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs. For the 30
thSurajkund International Crafts Mela-2016, the state of Telangana has been
chosen to be the Theme State. At least 20 countries & all the states of
India will be participating in the Mela.
A large number of renowned national and
international folk artistes and cultural groups present day performances at
both the Chaupals, the open-air theatres, located in the Mela premises. Also
enthralling cultural evening programmes are held at the main Chaupal during
each of the Mela evening. The Mela is indeed a custodian of the heritage crafts
involving use of traditional skills that are fading away due to cheap machine
made imitations, and a special section is earmarked for showcasing of these
heritage crafts.
The multi-cuisine Food Court
provides ethnic cuisines from all over the world, which are immensely popular
with visitors. There are designated places for amusement, adventure sports and
joy rides to make it a must visit event for the young.
In 2013, the fair was upgraded to
an international level and in 2015, a record number of 20 countries
participated in the Mela and Lebanon was the Partner Nation and Chhattisgarh,
the Theme State.
