Surajkund Crafts Mela, Haryana (Delhi), India, Feb 2011

Surajkund - the pond of Sun God owes its name to an ancient amphitheatre sun pool, dating to the 10th century. Surajkund was built by King Suraj Pal, a follower of the Sun God. Surajkund comes alive with bright colours of Indian folk traditions and cultural heritage and International participation during the Surajkund Crafts Mela. The 25th Surajkund Mela has Andhra Pradesh as its Theme State this year and for the third time. The State represents India’s ethnic diversity and its rich cultural heritage. The Surajkund Mela set in an alluring, rustic and ethereal environment depicts the plurality of Indian arts, crafts and culture. Traditionally rich handlooms, handicrafts and some of the mouth watering cuisines of different states is experienced by visitors. The special enclosure made for the Theme State has artisans specializing in woodwork, jewellery, metal ware and other crafts. The Mela epitomizes the beauty of rural India within the gamut of suburban serenity and makes an ideal getaway for people. The magic of vibrant Andhra Pradesh comes through at this year's Mela.

Every year for two weeks, a record number of visitors including thousands of foreign tourists come to this mega event! The idea behind the Mela is to recreate a pristine rural ambience for foreign & domestic tourists, to educate the patrons of arts and crafts on the skills involved in art creation, to introduce crafts and craftspersons directly to the buyers and to identify, nurture and preserve the languishing crafts of the country. The participants this year also included those from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Russia, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka.

Surajkund which is located near Faridabad in Haryana is just about 8 km and an hour's drive from New Delhi. All day, at the Chaupal & in the evenings at the Natyashala, various dance troupes performed to enthralled audiences.

The Surajkund Mela is organized by Haryana Tourism. Visitors payed Rs. 50 as an entrance ticket for the day. The mela was first held in 1981 and the popular event is a showcase for traditional Indian arts and crafts as well as live entertainment. For details visit: http://haryanatourism.gov.in/surajkund/surajkundmela.asp