24th Surajkund Crafts Mela-2010

Surajkund complex, near Delhi in Faridabad district of Haryana derives its name from ancient amphitheatre, Sun Pool. It dates back to the 10th Century A.D. This was the time when tribal Chieftains were gaining supremacy. One clan that struck out in the chronicles of history, was that of the Tomars. They were sun worshipers. Fascinated by the surrounding of this terrain, Raja Suraj Pal, one of the Chieftains, chose to build his stronghold here. A Sun Temple and a Sun Pool were designed. But times changed, and the clan vanished. The temple fell into disarray. But, the amphitheatre Sun Pool built as the sun careering westwards, continued to stand as it does even today. It is after this Sun Pool that the complex came to be christened as Surajkund. Surajkund has been identified as an ideal suburban retreat because of the natural beauty of the Aravalli ranges. The open basalt outcrop in one section, cupped a vast water body. The fact that Surajkund lay close to Delhi in dimension that attracted the Tourism Organization of the Haryana State. It covers 40 hectares. While providing urban attractions for the holiday maker, it retains its suburban serenity.

Keeping the Sun Pool as the centre, a large number of tourist facilities have been developed in the vicinity of Surajkund. To the left of the Sun Pool alongside the ruins of the temple stands Hotel Raj Hans. Adjacent to this property lies Sunbird Motel another property with accommodation wings. Between the Sun Pool and Mela grounds lies the Natyashala, an open-air-theatre. A path leads to the Hermitage. On the farthest end of the main road, lie the Crafts Mela ground. The Surajkund Crafts Mela was first held in 1987 and over the years, the Organizers have introduced several new features though the duration of the Mela remained same from 1st to 15th February every year. Most of the States of India have participated in the Mela as Theme States. The replicas of all the Theme States have been set up in Surajkund Mela ground reminding the visitors of the diversity of India and thus converting the Mela ground as ‘Mini India’.

The 15-Day Mela this year has participating craftsmen with exquisite talents not only from the length and breadth of the Country, but even from countries like Tajikistan, Thailand and Egypt besides the neighbouring SAARC Nations. State of Rajasthan is the theme State this time.

One of the main objectives of this Mela is to project the sensitivity of the rich Indian art, culture, music and folk art under one single banner and at one single venue for the benefit of its visitors besides providing the young generation an opportunity to have a first hand feel of the extraordinary variety of the tradition and rural ambience that happens to be the hallmark of our country. It would be a bonanza for the foreign and domestic tourists in educating themselves about the diversity of Indian traditions and culture besides enjoying the vibrant ambiance created typically to represent the entire ethos of rural India in miniature. The Mela also offers the participating craftsmen a direct opportunity and exposure to market their products to both the customers and end users.

Organized primarily under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Tourism, the Mela is a collective and concerted effort of agencies like Development Commissioners of Handicrafts, Handlooms and Union Ministries of Culture and External Affairs, Haryana Tourism and the Tourism Department of the theme State as they jointly conduct and coordinate the arrangements of the Mela. The Mela happens to be one amongst the most important and popular event in the annual national calendar organised in and around Delhi. The number of visitors that stood at over 7 lakhs last year is expected to increase substantially this time.

More than 400 craftsmen will showcase their skills and products to the visitors this year. Over 200 day performers of folk dance, drama and other performing arts, including Octave dance group from North-East will perform to entertain the masses thronging the Mela. They include Kaal Belia (Rajasthan), Siddi Goma (Gujarat), Brij Ki Holi & Charkula (U.P.), Bhangra (Punjab), Been Sapera & Banchari (Haryana), ‘Tajik Dances’, “Egyptian Tannoura Dance” and “Thai Traditional Dances”. In the evening there would be daily cultural performances from 6 p.m. onwards in the Open Air Theatre named Natyashala. The food court within the Mela premises shall have the cuisine from across the country. Yielding to the popular suggestion, an extensive amusement park has been set up next to the Shekhawati gate for the benefit of children. Shekhawati gate has been built by the theme State Rajasthan as an added attraction this year. The Mela shall have a number of competitions for school/college students such as Rangoli, Face Painting competition, Essay Writing competition, Mehandi competition, Drawing competition, Kite Flying competition and Photography competition for amateurs.

Amongst the main items and skill on display, folk painting, paper machie items, terracotta, iron craft, bamboo and cane crafts, wood crafts, stone crafts, lac bangles, dhokra crafts, patola sarees, chanderi sarees, smabalpuri sarees, ikkat and pashmina shawls, etc, are prominent. An exclusive gallery of exhibition and sale for Gems and Jewellery and other craftwork of exquisite worth from Rajathan has also been planned. In addition, 40-45 craftspersons from countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand and Egypt are also participating in the 24th Surajkund Crafts Mela. The Handicrafts and painting, furniture, leather goods, pottery, terracotta, stone artefacts from Rajasthan would fill the area with their exceptional presence.

Surajkund crafts Mela brings together cultures and crafts of the entire country at one place and is becoming a model for other countries to follow. This year a high level team of Sri Lanka consisting of 25 persons is visiting Surajkund Crafts Mela to study the aspects of its conduct in totality with a view to replicate it.

*Dy. Director (M&C), Press Information Bureau, New Delhi

RTS/VN
SS-32/SF-32/01.02.2010
(Release ID :57520)