From 1,500 Artisans To 1,080 Huts, Here's Exactly What To Look Out For @ Surajkund Mela 2018

Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Surajkund Mela Authority has been organizing the Surajkund International Craft Mela and they’re back in town with the 32nd edition of this mesmerising event which is touted to be one of the world’s largest craft melas! Here’s a glimpse of what to expect from this spectacular fair!

Showcasing Indian Culture At Its Finest

This 15-days long event, which has been extended to 17 days, showcases Indian culture and tradition with everything ranging from handicrafts and handlooms, providing a one stop shop for all. Every year, the Surajkund authority chooses a state and displays the true essence of that state which forms the theme for the International Craft Mela and this time, the state unveiled is one which is rich in all art forms, be it pottery or artefacts - Uttar Pradesh. 

The authority makes sure to display trivia about the theme state, arrange for cuisines from various states and also conduct an exporters and buyers meet so all indigenous businesses flourish. Prominent areas of UP including Mathura, Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, ghats of Kashi and other famous places have been highlighted at the Mela.

Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know ‘Bout The Mela

Inaugurated by both Haryana and UP Chief Ministers, the Crafts Mela sees over 1,500 artisans from 20 states of the country and 28 foreign countries taking part and showcasing their talent. This time, 8 more foreign countries have become part of this Mela, with all thanks to Kyrgystan, the partner nation. The fair venue has over 1,080 huts for craftsmen spread over 42 acres of land!

What To Look Out For At The Mela

The vibes of the Mela took us back to our childhood days! The fest had multiple joy rides, ranging from giant wheel to octopus rides, at pretty decent prices. Apart from the rides, they also housed balloon shooting, ring game, a bhoot bungla, various outlets for chuski serving flavours like strawberry, orange and our most loved kaala khatta and lots more. On the left, ample space was dedicated to small kiosks for stalls selling kolhapuri footwear, various flavours of papad, plastic crockery you could pick up by the kilo, antiques and everyday use items.

As you move forward, a giant Chhattisgarh Gate welcomes you to a world of enthralling craftsmanship exhibited by the various states. With multiple shops showcasing a wide variety of antique and junk jewellery, distinct variants of earrings, handmade suits and crockery made of clay and ornaments of pure brass. We loved the way in which different states displayed their culture in the most organized manner. We also encountered the khetibari auzaar (agricultural instruments) and desi hookahs at the Haryana kiosk. 

A separate area was dedicated towards nukkad nataks, which also formed the stage for Punjabi bhangra and Haryanvi dance performances along with a beauteous performance by artists characterising the scene at Vrindavan during Holi. On one end of the venue, the artists had prepared and arrayed the seven ghats of Varanasi.

The craftsmanship exhibited by the foreign countries made our visit to the Mela well worth it! Ranging from wooden handicraft items from Kazakhstan to getting your hands on pure raw ghee from Thailand to wind chimes from China, we were truly stupefied by the varieties displayed in this section.

We liked how the organisers had installed food stalls at different locations instead of keeping the food arena at one place. This helped everyone at the venue get delectable food in a hassle free manner. A separate VIP enclosure was also set up in the chaupal where one could sit and enjoy a meal at a designated charge for the VIP facility. Food items like chole bhature, matar kulcha, pav bhaji, chaap, roomali roti and others were available at reasonable prices at all the stalls.

Reaching Here

Though a personal vehicle is the best option but considering it’s just 8 kms from South Delhi, one can also opt for public transport. The authority had waived off 50% of the entry fee for differently-abled people, senior citizens, serving soldiers, war widows and their dependents and to provide assistance to them, golf carts and battery-operated rickshaws are available at the Mela. Other than this, college and school students can enjoy a discount of 50% on their entry tickets on weekdays, provided a valid ID card is produced.

While the Mela this year has environment friendly e-toilets, plastic/polythene bags have been banned. The fair also has specified areas for adventure and sports activities, like horse riding and camel riding, to keep people of all ages engaged and entertained, so do drop by with the fam!

On Till | 18th February 
Where | Surajkund Mela Grounds - Lakewood City, Surajkund, Faridabad
Entry Per Head | Rs 120 (Weekday) & Rs 180 (Weekend) 
Timings | 11 AM – 8:30 PM
Book Your Tickets Online Here | https://in.bookmyshow.com/festival/surajkund-international-crafts-mela/
RSVP On FB Here | https://www.facebook.com/events/404132353376130

Here’s Some More Enchanting Pictures From The Mela!