Come February and it’s time for the Surajkund Crafts Mela which showcases some of the finest handloom, handicraft and folk art traditions of the country. This annual fair is held at Surajkund in Haryana (8 km New Delhi) during 1-15 February. Surajkund is the most popular of all the melas conducted in Haryana and attracts many tourists from all parts of the country and abroad.
Started in 1987 by Haryana Tourism, the fair aims at bringing to light the enormous talent of artisans and craftsmen from all over India as they get a chance to display their exquisite handloom and handicraft creations before a large audience. Several small thatched roof platforms are specially provided to create an authentic rustic ambience and the typical setting of a Indian rural marketplace. The fair also serves as a meeting place for talented artists, painters, weavers, sculptors and craftsmen from different parts of the country.
Every year, one state is selected as theme state and its handicrafts, wood crafts and other traditional crafts and works are the fair’s special highlight. Sandalwood and rosewood carvings from South India, ‘Chikri’ woodcraft of Kashmir, fine cane craft and ‘Kantha’ traditions from West Bengal and the North Eastern states, Phulkari embroidery of Punjab, ‘Banjara’ and ‘Bunni’ embroidery of Gujarat, lace and crochet from Goa and ‘Chikan’ work of Lucknow are just a few of the amazing exhibits found here.
A food festival showcasing the cuisine of the various states is also organised during this fortnight-long celebration. Chinese and Continental dishes can also be enjoyed at the fair. A special stall that serves the traditional food of the theme state is another attraction.
Vivacious folk dances and vivid theater activities at the open air theatre draw large crowds. Folk dances and musical evenings are held throughout the fortnight during the fair at the open air ‘Natyashala’.
Surajkund is 8 km from South Delhi, between the villages of Baharpur and Lakkarpur. The nearest airport is at Delhi. The complex is 35 minutes drive from the Indira Gandhi International Airport and 25 km from Palam Airport. Delhi is the nearest Railway junction. Surajkund is also well connected by rail and road to Faridabad and Gurgaon. Tour coaches, tourist taxis and other public conveyance are also available to ply visitors to the mela grounds.