Organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs, the theme state of the 33rd Surajkund International Crafts Mela - 2019 was the state of Maharashtra. It providing the theme state with a rare opportunity to showcase its handicrafts, handlooms, architecture, performing arts, cuisine and tourist potential to an enormous cross-section of the population in an impressive manner.

Showcasing Indian Culture At Its Finest

A splash of colours, rhythm of drum beats and joie de vivre merge in Faridabad during the first fortnight of each February when the curtains go up on the acclaimed annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela, a celebration of Indian folk traditions and cultural heritage. Occupying a place of pride on the international tourist calendar, more than a million visitors throng the Mela including thousands of foreign tourists. The Surajkund Mela is unique as it showcases the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of India & is touted to be the largest crafts fair in the world!

The entire look of the entrance and the grounds, the whole setting of the furniture, colours, decor and architecture of the fair is based entirely on a particular theme state thus making the Mela a unique affair every year. It’s a treat for visitors as people get to see another set of rich culture, traditions and exclusive artefacts made by the artisans of the state in the most vivid crafts festivals of India.

Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know About The Mela

The fair was upgraded to an international level in 2015 where a record number of 20 countries participated with Lebanon being the Partner Nation. Since then, every year the Mela sees an increase in the number of International countries taking part. The Mela being indeed a custodian of the heritage crafts involving the use of traditional skills also has a large number of renowned national and international folk artists and cultural groups presenting day performances at both the chaupals and the open-air theatres located in the Mela premises.

There are designated places for amusement, adventure sports and joy rides to make it a must-visit event for the young. The multi-cuisine Food Court provides ethnic dishes from all over the world, especially from the Theme State, which remain immensely popular among visitors.

What We Liked At The Mela Last Year

To save you some effort, we have listed out the things that we absolutely loved at the Mela last time!

Amusement Park

The vibes of the Mela took us back to our childhood days! The fest had free entry to the fun zone arena where one could enjoy 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. Nostalgia hit us quite hard!

Clay And Metal Caricatures

As we moved forward, a giant Chhattisgarh Gate welcomed us to a world of enthralling craftsmanship exhibited by the various states. With back to back huts showcasing a wide variety of their antique and junk jewellery, distinct variants of earrings, handmade suits and crockery made of clay and ornaments of pure brass, we were in awe of different cultures of these states being displayed strategically. The blend of clay and metal alloys in various pots and decorative items captivated one and all. We loved how the clay caricatures of Lord Ganesha found their place at almost every hut we visited. Even the glass craftsmen had curated a fine and detailed version of the elephant God in the most humble manner with finesse!,

Entertainment Arena

Last time the Mela authorities instead of dedicating a separate area for the nukkad natak bifurcated a major lawn area for the cultural programs and international artists to showcase their talent as well as their heritage in the most organized manner. Various artists of nukkad natak roamed around with the visitors clicking photos and having a gala time by performing dances and nataks on the streets itself. Last time the authorities had arranged for various cultural shows in the evening that have lined up till the fest is on.

The International Realm

With more than 25 countries participating in the Mela, there were artists from around the world and the craftsmanship exhibited by these foreign countries made our visit to the Mela well worth it! Ranging from wooden handicrafts from the lands of Uzbekistan to decorative lights from Armenia, from scented candles and oils from Zimbabwe to wooden keychain from Ghana and puppets from Germany, we were stupefied by the perception of various artists around the globe. Available at pocket-friendly prices, the International Area of the Mela was EPIC!

Hand-Made Apparels & Decorative Items

Ranging from Kolhapuris to hand-made juttis and moccasins, distinctive and unique designs were seen in patches in the fest. State kiosks like that of Kashmir displayed their pashminas and other types of shawls for every occasion. We saw many unique set of earrings at the Mela, with the dominance of jhumkas and hanging earrings, the collection of which was just class apart. In addition, we also discovered a few stalls with beauteous artificial flowers for indoor decoration at throwaway prices!

Other Attractions

The food stalls were set up at various locations with a limited set of kiosks of Mumbai’s famous chuski and bhelpuri at every location and a particular area entirely dedicated to various delicacies, majorly of the theme state with others. The VIP enclosure was given a miss last time but the seating area was widened so as to provide ample dining space for all.

There was also installed an idol of Chatrapati Shivaji around a temporary fort like structure which was at the highest peak in the Mela being in reconciliation with the theme state. The new and the most interesting part of the Mela last time was the presence of a kiosk of artefacts made by prisoners of the Rajasthan Prison Cell. From various stools to paintings, wooden pens to cutlery, they had everything!

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. 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 last year had environment-friendly e-toilets, plastic and polythene bags were banned. The fair also had specified areas for adventure and sports activities, like horse riding and camel riding, to keep people of all ages engaged and entertained.

When | 1st - 16th February
Where | Surajkund Mela Grounds - Lakewood City, Surajkund, Faridabad
Entry | Rs 120 Onwards
Timings | 10 AM Onwards
Book Your Tickets Online Here |http://bit.ly/3aENWh8
Here’s Their Website | http://haryanatourism.gov.in/Events/surajkund-international-crafts-mela-faridabad
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/SurajkundCraftsMela/
RSVP On FB Here | https://www.facebook.com/events/950495385345949