Governor of Haryana Bandaru Dattatraya and Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Manohar Lal on Sunday inaugurated the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Surajkund Haryana.
The Mela is open from 19th March to 4th April 2022, daily from 12.30 pm-9.30 pm.
This year More than 30 countries will be a part of the Mela, which includes the Partner Nation – Uzbekistan. There will be enthusiastic participation from Latin American Countries, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Namibia, Sudan, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Senegal, Angola, Ghana, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Iran, Maldives, and many more.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal stated that the Suraj Kund Crafts fair helps thousands of craftsperson from across India to showcase their arts and products to a wider audience.
What is Surajkund International Crafts Mela?
Surajkund International Crafts Mela is an international craft fair held every year in Surajkund in the Faridabad district of Haryana.
This fair gives artisans not only from Haryana but also from all over India an opportunity to showcase their talent and encourages us to preserve our rich heritage and culture.
The Surajkund Crafts Mela was hosted for the first time in 1987 to showcase the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms, and the cultural heritage of India.
A benchmark was set in the history of Surajkund Crafts Mela as it was upgraded to an international level in 2013. In 2020, more than 30 countries from Europe, Africa, and Asia participated in the Mela.
It is jointly organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, External Affairs, and the Government of Haryana.
This festival has come to occupy a place of pride and prominence on the international tourism calendar for its display of crafts, culture & cuisine of India in an aesthetically created ambiance.
Keeping in pace with the times, online tickets are made available through portals like Paytm Insider, to help visitors easily enter Mela premises without the hassles of long queues. Special buses will run from various points to carry visitors from the surrounding areas to the fair site.
History of Surajkund
Surajkund, the site of popular Surajkund International Crafts Mela is located at a distance of 8 km from South Delhi in Faridabad.
Surajkund derives its name from the ancient amphitheater, meaning ‘lake of the sun’ constructed here in the 10th century by Raja SurajPal, one of the Tomar chieftains. ‘
Suraj’ means ‘Sun’ and ‘Kund’ means ‘pool, lake or reservoir’. The place is built against the backdrop of the Aravalli Mountain range.
As historians tell us, this area fell under the domain of the Tomar clan. Raja Suraj Pal, one of the chieftains of the clan of sun worshipers, had a sun pool built in this area. It is believed that a temple also stood in its periphery.
Archaeological excavations have revealed the existence of a Sun temple here based on ruins that can be seen even now. During the Tughlaq dynasty rule of Feroz Shah Tughlaq (1351–88), the reservoir was refurbished by rebuilding the steps and terraces with stones in lime mortar.
Jammu Kashmir is the Theme State
Jammu & Kashmir is the ‘Theme State’ of the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2022, which is showcasing its unique culture and rich heritage through various art forms and handicrafts from the state.
Hundreds of artists from Jammu and Kashmir will be performing different folk arts and dances. From traditional dances art forms to exquisite crafts, there is a bouquet of heritage and culture from Jammu & Kashmir to enthrall the audience.
Replicas of Vaishno Devi temple, Amar Nath temple, Apna Ghar representing architecture from Kashmir, live demonstration of House Boat and Commemorative gate ‘Mubarak Mandi – Jammu’ promises to be the main attractions of this year’s Mela.
Cultural Performances from different States
To enliven the visitors’ mood, scintillating performances will be presented by international folk artists from the participating foreign countries including Artists from across the States of India.
A variety of day performers will enthrall the visitors like at the Bhangra from Punjab, Bihu from Assam, Barsana ki Holi, Lok Niritya From Haryana, Jamakda from Himachal Pradesh, Lavni from Maharashtra, Live Demonstration of Hath Ki Chakki and the ever famous Behrupiyas, who will keep the crowds entertained with their enchanting talent and showmanship within the Mela ground.
The art and culture department will showcase traditional and cultural artists like Kacchi Ghodi, Stick walker, Kalbelia, Behrupia from Rajasthan, Kangri Nati from Himachal, Pihu from Assam, Bhangra, Jindua, Jhoomer from Punjab, Chapel from Uttarakhand, Barsana ki Holi from Uttar Pradesh, Wangi from Meghalaya, Sambhalpuri Odisha, Badhai from Madhya Pradesh, Lawn from Maharashtra and much more.
Enthralling evening cultural performances during the Mela fortnight will entertain the visitors to the hilt.
Enjoy eclectic performances from bands like Rehmat-e-Nusrat, resonating Ghazals by Rinku Kalia, enthralling dance performances, soulful Sufi performances, Rhythms of India by Maati Baani, besides foot-tapping dance & song shows of Jammu & Kashmir, Uzbekistan, and other international artists. Catch all the action and excitement at the Chaupal from 7.00 pm onwards.
Apna Ghar to showcase the authentic lifestyle of Haryana
A family from Haryana is going to live in specially-created ‘Apna Ghar’ to showcase the authentic lifestyle of the state.
‘Apna Ghar’ gives a chance to the visitors to experience the lifestyle of the people of the state and provides them a chance to interact and learn about their culture.
Apna Ghar will showcase traditional earthenware, utensils, etc and craftsmen will give a live demonstration of these traditional crafts.
Both Chaupals (amphitheaters) have been given a new look inspired by the elements of the participating state and partner nation to make the performances come alive for the audience along with the use of traditional props.
Major highlights of the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2022
Major highlights of the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2022 include-
- Uzbekistan will participate as the partner nation for this year’s Mela.
- Keeping pace with the Information Technology (IT) advancements, the Mela entry tickets can be booked online Through Paytm Insider
- Hassle-Free parking through technological innovations
- Virtual tour and craftsperson information available on the website
The Mela is indeed a tribute to the richness and diversity of the cultural heritage of India, organized in the backdrop of this magnificent monument.