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SURAJKUND INTERNATIONAL CRAFTS MELA – INCREDIBLE INDIA & More

Everything about Surajkund Mela

Even though I have been living in Faridabad for the last five years, this was my first time when I finally had a chance to visit SURAJKUND INTERNATIONAL CRAFTS MELA. The venue happens to be only 20 minutes away from my house but during the mela season it was a different story altogether. It took close to two hours to finally reach the parking area. But after treading the jam-packed roads, it’s all worth it. The splash of colors that awaits you there has no match. Don’t you dare forget to carry your camera!

 

 

So after planning it every year and failing to be there, I was thrilled to make it this time. And honestly, I was all amazed to see the richness of Indian handicrafts and the talent of the artists from different states of the country. The colors, the creatives, art, handicrafts, handlooms, everything about it absolutely endearing to the eyes and heart. While it is a place to shop and buy, pick unique decoratives for the house, I would also call it a place of learning. The theme state is a lovely concept to bring forth the uniqueness and hidden features of it. This time I picked a lot of information about Johar Jharkhand. Moreover, this place is full of creativity and colors. I grabbed on every chance to interact with the artists to learn about their different art forms. There was wooden toy making from Varanasi, leather puppetry from Andhra Pradesh, Zinc-silver carved utensils from Karnataka, Paper Mache from Jammu and Kashmir, Madhubani paintings from Bihar, Iron-made artefacts from Chhatisgarh, Gulabi Meenakari from Varanasi, Terra cotta work from Delhi, Wooden Toys from Orissa and much more. 

 

 

SURJAKUND CRAFTS FAIR is not only one of the most beautiful fairs of India but also one of the largest craft fair in the world where one gets to witness the diversity of art and handicraft from all over India and other participating countries. This was the 31st year of the mela. The theme state was Jharkhand and Egypt was the partner country. Every year, Haryana celebrates this crafts carnival for 15 days at a stretch in the month of February. The entry and the parking can be a hassle on a Sunday (that’s when I chose to be there) but on the other days, it is definitely worth a do. And to save yourself from being caught in the traffic, avail the option of metro else make a point to be there in the early hours. Avoid the weekend visit in all cases.

 

 

The splash of colors!!!

 

Jharkhand at Surajkund Mela
Jharkhand was the theme state!

 

 

Lovely decorations on the trees at Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017
Artistic colors had taken over the whole ambiance.

 

 

Toy making from Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi has been famous for Wooden Toy Making

 

 

Hand made little swings from Bihar
Rope swings made by Bihari artists.

 

 

Masks form an integral part of Chhau dance.

 

 

Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017 (58)
Terra cotta work from Delhi

 

 

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Such intricate carvings.

 

 

Wall paintings depicting the theme
Wall paintings which added to the style and glamor of the theme.

 

 

Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017 (52)
Madhubani Paintings from Bihar

 

 

The washrooms and toilets were painted this way
The washrooms and toilets were painted this way.

 

 

Terracota -Delhi
None couldn’t resist buying them.

 

 

This was built in 2015 when Chhattisgarh State was the theme.


 

 

The toys from Andhra Pradesh

 

 

Leather Art from Andhra Pradesh

 

 

The jute bags… The Gujjar Bag caught my interest.

 

 

Zinc with silver work- Karnataka Art

 

 

Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017 (29)
I love these junkies. 

 

 

These wooden toys came from Orissa

 

 

Surajkund Mela 2017
Hand made flowers were the highlight of the event.

 

 

Chattisgarh
Iron work from Chattisgarh

 

 

Such lovely colors
Such lovely bottles

 

 

Surajkund Mela, Faridabad
This made for a lovely photo point.

 

 

Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017 (14)
Every shop had something interesting to offer.

 

 

Paintings at Surajkund Mela
Every patch of the arena is occupied either by people or art-work.

 

 

Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017 (37)
And it came from Orissa

 

 

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Eye-arresting stuff

 

 

Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017 (13)
Some sun to give warmth.

 

 

Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017 (44)
From one of the Bihar state stalls.

 

 

There was lots of good stuff.

 

 

Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017 (63)
Lots to buy if you know how to pick.

 

 

Haryana’s 50 Years Celebrations – Golden Jubilee also made a mark here.

 

 

International Section!!!

Egypt was the partner state. 



 

 

Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017 (65)
Pottery at Egypt

 

 

 

Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017 (67)
Tajikistan

 

 

Egypt at Surajkund
Pottery from Egypt

 

 

Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017 (68)
South Africa

 

 

 

THE UNIQUE FOOD FROM JHARKHAND 

 

Have you eaten this? I tasted both for the first time. 

 

Anaraca- Famous dish from Jharkhand

 

 

Picture of Dhuska

 

 

And when we left, the model of Charminar looked as resplendent as this.

 

Charminar Gate, Hyderabad Surajkund Mela

 

Have you been to Surajkund Mela? What was your experience? Do share in the comments.

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