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Crafting the future
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The annual Surajkund Crafts Mela is not just about tradition but about assuring greater business
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PHOTO: S. SUBRAMANIUM
IMPRESSIVE Dancers performing at the opening ceremony
As the spring sets in, Surajkund dons the colours of the myriad crafts of India. The annual Surajkund Crafts Mela is now an internationally recognised event that showcases the finest handlooms and handicraft traditions of India. Its success is apparent from the fact that the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has started melas at Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Gwalior on the pattern of the fair.
Like every year, craftsmen from all over the country have assembled at Surajkund Tourist Complex of the Haryana Tourism Corporation, which is just eight kms from South Delhi. The fair will last till the 15th of this month. Over 340 State and National award winning craftsmen from across the country are participating in the mela. They are showcasing a large variety of unique and intricate handicrafts. Andhra Pradesh is the theme state this year, for the second time. In fact the maximum number of artists (49) belongs to the state. The craftsmen, weavers and artists unfold a brilliant canvas of exquisite handicrafts and hand-woven textiles. There is an array of saris - Pochampally, Venkatagiri, Kanjeevaram, kalamkari, Maheshwari, ikkat, Chanderi, Dharamavaran, etc. Also on display are Nirmal paintings, matchless bidriware and a fabulous array of woodcarvings and stone carvings. There is some lip-smacking nawabi cuisine on offer as well. Some of the options include Hyderabadi biryani, dum ka murg, mussallam, haleem, dalcha, baghra baigan and desserts like qurbani ka meetha and sheer korma. Customers can also treat themselves to fine Indian and Continental cuisine at Shaheen restaurant in Hotel Raj Hans, adjacent to the mela grounds.
The highlight
Craftsmen and artisans from SAARC countries are also showcasing their traditional crafts and cuisine. Artistes from South Africa will also perform. The highlight of the mela will be the exporter-craftsmen meet where officials of the Export Promotion Council, the Ministry of Textiles and the Government of India will coordinate an interaction between exporters and craftsmen to explore the possibility of exporting the works of these artists.
There will be a painting workshop on Lord Buddha to observe the 2500th anniversary of the Mahaparinirvanaof Lord Buddha. A kite flying festival, photography competition and a camel safari will also be organised. Classical dancers like Shovana Narayan and Saroja Vaidyanathan will also be performing at the venue.
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