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Surajkund International Crafts Mela (Faridabad)

Spread India's Glorious Cultural & Spiritual Heritage

ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमःॐ श्री दुर्गायै नमः 

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Surajkund International Crafts Mela – YouTube Channel

Surajkund Mela 2021 - History, Date, Tickets, Attractions
Surajkund International Crafts Mela (Faridabad)

Surajkund is an ancient reservoir of the 10th century located on Southern Delhi Ridge of Aravalli range  in Faridabad city of Haryana state about 8 km from South Delhi. 

Surajkund, meaning ‘Lake of the Sun’, is an artificial lake / reservoir built in the backdrop of the Aravalli hills with an amphitheatre shaped embankment constructed in semicircular form.

Surajkund International Crafts Mela – YouTube Channel

Surajkund Mela 2022 - Date, Timings, Tickets, Theme | Holidify
Surajkund International Crafts Mela (Faridabad)

It is said to have been built by King Surajpal of the Tomara dynasty in the 10th century. Tomar, the younger son of  Anangpal Tomar – the ruler of Delhi, was a sun worshipper and he had therefore built a Sun temple on its western bank.

Surajkund International Crafts Mela opens in Haryana - Media India Group
Surajkund International Crafts Mela (Faridabad)

Surajkund is known for its annual fair ‘Surajkund International Craft Mela’.

2015 edition of this fair was visited by 1.2 million visitors including 160,000 foreigners with more than 20 countries participating in it.

A Few YouTube Videos of this Crafts Mela

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.

Surajkund Mela 2020: here's what happening (pictures) | Times of India  Travel
Surajkund International Crafts Mela (Faridabad)

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.

Bhimakali temple's replica an attraction at crafts mela
Surajkund International Crafts Mela (Faridabad)

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 34th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2020, the state of Himachal Pradesh has been chosen to be the Theme State. At least 20 countries & all the states of India will be participating in the Mela.

Surajkund International Crafts Mela – YouTube Channel

Surajkund International Crafts Mela begins in Haryana - Tourism News Live
Surajkund International Crafts Mela (Faridabad)

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.

Surajkund International Crafts Mela opens in Haryana - Media India Group
Surajkund International Crafts Mela (Faridabad)

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.

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.

The Mela celebrates the unique diversity of Indian traditions and culture in a ambience, created to represent the ethos of rural India.

Surajkund International Crafts Mela showcases some of the most exquisite handlooms and handicrafts of India. Handmade fabrics soaked in ethnic colours make an eye catching display for the visitors.

The multi-cuisine Food Courts provides ethnic cuisines from all over the world, which are immensely popular with visitors.

The scintillating folk performances at the two ‘Chaupals’ and mesmerizing evening recitals at ‘Natyashala’ rev up the entertainment quotient.

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 was rechristened as ‘28th Surajkund International Crafts Mela’.

In 2014, over 15 countries from European & African  continents participated in the Mela including SAARC nations.

Surajkund International Crafts Mela

In the backdrop of the lake, during the spring season, every year from 1–15 February, a colourful traditional craft festival of India is held on 40 acres of land in the precincts of Surajkund.

The Crafts Mela is attended by all states of India along with several dozen other nations and over 1.2 million visitors including 200,000 foreigners.

This fair was first started in 1987. Traditional craftsmen (artists, painters, weavers and sculptors) from all parts of the country participate in this annual celebration named as the ‘Surajkund Crafts Mela‘ or ‘Surajkund designer’s Village’.

Designer items created by 50 best designers and craftsmen in wood, metal, bamboo, iron, glass, textiles and stone can be seen here.

This Mela (fair) is visited by lovers of arts and crafts from all over the world. The fair is held with a different theme every year on Indian culture and crafts.

The theme, specific to a state of India, is depicted at the entrance to the Mela grounds and provides an ambience of that particular state with characteristic colors, materials, architecture, furniture and decorations.

The crafts on display in the stalls (400) is of particular crafts of that state. The Mela also includes a food festival covering some of the popular cuisines from different parts of the country.

Entertainment in the form of famous rhythms and dance of folk theatre are also held here during the festival.

During 2009, with Madhya Pradesh as the theme state, 50 craftsmen from SAARC countries, Thailand and Egypt also participated in the Mela.

The show was titled HemvatiKhajuraho as a part of the 23rd annual Surajkund Crafts Fair event. Sanchi Stupa, (a World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh) formed the backdrop for the festival.

2015 edition of fair was visited by 1.2 million visitors including 160,000 foreigners. In 2016 edition China will be participating in the fair as a part of agreement signed between India and China to celebrate 2016 as ‘Year of China in India’

Surajkund International Crafts Mela – YouTube Channel


Spread India's Glorious Cultural & Spiritual Heritage

By Mala Chandrashekhar

Introducing Blogger Mala Chandrashekhar - a specialist academically trained in modern Western sciences, yet deeply enamored with India's timeless ethnic arts, crafts, and textiles. Her heart beats for the rich and glorious cultural and spiritual heritage of India, and she has dedicated her entire blog to spreading the immortal glories of ancient India worldwide. Through her simple yet impactful blog posts, Mala aims to reach every nook and corner of the globe, sharing India's beauty and wisdom with the world.

But Mala doesn't stop at just sharing her own thoughts and ideas. She welcomes constructive criticisms and suggestions to improve her blog and make it even more impactful. And if you share her passion for India's culture and heritage, she extends a warm invitation for high-quality guest blog posts.

Ready to dive into the world of India's ageless beauty? Follow Mala on LinkedIn and join her in spreading the magic of ancient India to the world.

LinkedIn Profile : https://in.linkedin.com/in/mala-chandrashekhar-04095917a

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