February has been totally hectic for me. It looked like this month has been. I have been so occupied with these functions that I couldn’t get time to sit and make a blog post on Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2019, also known as Surajkund International Crafts Festival. I have been traveling from one place to the other for attending marriages and other such events, family functions, friends, looks like everyone is getting married in the month of February. Finally, I am free today from marriages, though I had one marriage of a friend from hostel to attend I couldn’t go because I was tired of yesterday’s marriage. So, here I am writing down my visit to Surajkund International Crafts Mela.
Haryana has rich and vibrant colors of traditions. It is just that the government has not been able to make significant efforts to restore and maintain its culture subject. Be it the fort of Madhogarh in Madhogarh village of Mahendergarh district or be it the volcanic site at Dhosi Hills, everything is just totally ignored and avoided. When you search Haryana tourism online, the only thing that represents it at the international level is Surajkund International Crafts Mela or Surajkund Mela in short. After staying for around a decade in Delhi NCR, finally, I decided to go there this time.
Surajkund Mela – A Celebration of Culture and Tradition
The air is filled with the ambience of culture and tradition and all you see is the colour of ethnicity and folk art, all you hear is folk music. This is the atmosphere of Surajkund Mela. Colors splashing in the air, drum beats making you groove, this crafts festival is always drenched in the vibes of celebrations.
Surajkund Festival is organized every year from 1st to 15th February. This festival was started in 1987 in Surajkund, Faridabad. This colorful festival is organized in a massive landmass of around 40 acres. All the states of India participate in this festival and showcase their cultural and touristic richness. This festival attracts not only people from India but from outside of the country as well. Surajkund International Crafts Mela is organized by Surajkund Festival Authority along with the Haryana Tourism department with help of the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, and External Affairs. This time, BookMyShow was the official ticket partner. Tickets were being sold both online at the BookMyShow website and at the entry gate of the festival as well.
Surajkund International Crafts Mela was given the designation of being an international fair in 2013. 20 countries participated in 2015 which is a record in itself including African, SAARC, and European countries. Turkey stalls really captivated everyone with their stunning handicrafts and decoration items. Other countries too showcased their wood – wares, glass wares, etc. which are a piece of interior design and can give a new shape to your home. From garments to jewelry, these countries showed up their best creations.
Maharashtra is the theme state of 33rd Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2019
Every year, one state is selected as the theme state. The theme state is given a special honor. The theme state is given the opportunity to showcase its artistic skills and craftsmanship. Not only this but also the state gets a chance to promote its culture and tourism in a unique manner. For example, this time, a life-size replica of Raigarh Fort was put in there. This way, the visitors get to witness the cultural and tourism richness of the state.
Everyday artists showcase musical and dance shows at Chaupals. Every day there are open theater artists from different parts of the world come here to give stunning, jaw-dropping performances. These performances generally focus on folk artists. The festival is a melting pot of culture and tradition in a real way.
Thailand as the partner nation of 33rd Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2019
Just like the theme state, every year the festival gives a special opportunity and picks up a country as its partner nation for the festival. The partner nation is then given a separate place to showcase its artistic and tourism sector. This time, Thailand has been given this honor. People not only got to see Thai stuff such as Thai garments, handicrafts, daily useable items, etc. but also they got a chance to taste Thai cuisine.
What to shop at Surajkund International Crafts Festival 2019?
The festival invites people from all over to explore its richness and cultural diversity. With numerous artists and craftsmen from different parts of India and other countries as well, there is a lot to explore and if you are a handicraft enthusiast, then this place is heaven for you. From handicrafts to souvenirs, garments, wood items, your bag will be filled but not your desire to shop. This festival offers you India’s massive ocean of creativity and artistic skills through handicrafts. There is so much to shop from jewelry to souvenirs. You can buy textiles, pottery, home décor, items made from cane, glass, ivory, clothes, wood, lacquerware, paintings, Ayurvedic products, cosmetics, etc.
The Food – court offers a wide range of cuisines. This multi-cuisine court has got some of the most lip-smacking food options. While you get tired of roaming around and done with shopping, head to the food court where you will get to taste not only some of the most iconic Indian, cuisines but Chinese, Italian, Thai as well.
In the end, when you are tired of roaming around and want to unwind yourself, there is an entertainment zone that is packed with several rides and gigantic swings. Specially designed for the kids and some adventure lovers, this entertainment zone goes perfect with the festival vibes. There is so much to do and so much to explore. Craftsmen and artists from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, SAARC countries have participated this time in this festival and make this festival a melting pot of vibrant culture.
How to reach Surajkund Festival, Surajkund?
If you like to travel by metro, there is no direct metro to Surajkund; however, there are metro stations in the close vicinity. The nearest metro station should be the Badkhal Mod metro station. Badarpur metro station is also in close vicinity. From Badkhal Mod, you can get a shared auto or can have your personal cab and reach there in less than half an hour.
