India is renowned for its extensive cultural heritage. Putting up multiple fairs and performances, or “melas,” is an important part of this tradition. These melas are organized by almost every town and city in the country. These fairs differ in size depending on the location. Since these fairs have something to offer everyone, people of all ages are drawn to them. A few of the millions of fairs hosted throughout India have taken up a special place in our hearts. In today’s article, we are going to talk about one such fair or mela. So, get ready to book direct flights from Montreal to Delhi with Flyopedia and discover the grandeur of Surajkund International Crafts Mela.
About Surajkund International Crafts Mela
Every year in February, Surajkund, Haryana hosts the renowned Surajkund International Crafts Mela. Bright colors, upbeat drum rhythms, and folk music bring the fair’s atmosphere to life, fostering a joyous atmosphere. There are joyful expressions everywhere, as though people are excited to spend the day at the Surajkund fair.
Usually starting on February 1st, the show lasts for two weeks and features Indian handicrafts and handlooms from both domestic and international markets. The event honors the past of our culture and features a range of folk customs, music, and dance. The entry gates, which are made and decorated with plain mud, echo the rustic feel of the mela (fair). The charming rustic backdrop is enhanced by the thatched rooftop structures and shade-giving trees that finish the rustic aesthetic.
The mela, one of the biggest yearly crafts fairs, is coordinated annually in partnership with the central and state governments. The primary organizers of the festival are the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism, with assistance from the ministries of tourism, textiles, culture, and external affairs. With more than a million visits annually, it has evolved into an emblem of pride for India.
You can take in a cultural evening at the mela, with live performances by folk performers and cultural groups from across the country and beyond. The best part is that the food court here features several traditional and authentic eateries offering the best Indian fare. So, book YYZ to Mumbai flights with Flyopedia and experience the grandeur.
Surajkund International Crafts Mela History
The Surajkund Crafts Mela began in 1987 as a tiny, imaginative project to highlight lesser-known Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and crafts. The festival is held annually at Surajkund, a historic reservoir constructed in the tenth century. The mela grounds are situated near Faridabad, Haryana, on the Southern Delhi Ridge of the Aravalli Range, 40 miles from Delhi.
The title “Surajkund” (ancient artificial kund; lake or reservoir) means “Lake of the Sun”. King Surajpal of the Tomara Dynasty had it built in the shape of the rising sun at the foot of the Aravalli hills. The Surajkund International Craft Mela is held on the steep embankment that forms a semicircle in Surajkund.
The 40 acres of land inside Surajkund are used for the mela, and 1,010 work huts are constructed there to house artists, weavers, and entertainers. There are also chaupals and natyashala (open-air theaters) on the premises. There are also designated areas for adventure sports, thrill rides, and entertainment.
Enjoy a Shopping Spree at Surajkund Mela
Shopping at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela is a wonderful experience. Here, you can purchase traditional crafts directly from creators and exhibitors throughout India. Every year, nearly a million visitors from throughout the globe come here to buy authentic handicrafts in a setting that is reminiscent of a small-town Indian marketplace.
For obsessive shoppers. The mela offers a great chance to get these items at a reduced cost when compared to the markets. This is where you can get wall hangings, handicrafts, fabrics, carpets, and goods made of wood, ivory, masonry, lacquerware, cane, and grass. Look out for dishes, organically grown spices, culinary items, pottery, organic makeup, brass accents, earthenware, crockery, and bamboo items. Also, don’t forget to check out Flyopedia.com to grab the cheapest flights from USA to India.
Culinary Delights
Foodies will find a plethora of traditional culinary options at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, making it the perfect destination. Here, utilizing clay pots and banana leaves, traditional meals from several states are served at food stalls in a true rural style.
The food also has a festive flavor during the Mela because so many different culinary products are honored. Interesting millet-based delights were on display at the festival’s kiosks in 2023, which was designated as the International Year of Millets.
One of the best things about the mela is getting to eat delicious food from all around the US. Favorite dishes such as momos and thukpa from Nagaland began bhaja from Kolkata, sarso da saag from Punjab, litti chokha from Bihar, sambhar vada from Tamil Nadu, and dum aloo from Kashmir are all available for you to enjoy.
Tickets and Facilities
Weekday admission is Rs. 120, while weekend admission costs Rs. 180. Tickets are discounted by 50% for Army personnel, students, and senior persons. From 10:30 am until 8:30 pm, the mela is open. Seniors and others with disabilities can get help with golf carts and battery-powered e-rickshaws.
To Sum Up
Anyone interested in learning about and experiencing India’s rich cultural legacy must make a journey to the Surajkund International Crafts Mela. A plethora of handicrafts, delectable food and drink, live music and dancing, and dramatic performances can all be found at the mela, an unforgettable occasion. So, book Vancouver to Mumbai flight tickets with Flyopedia at reasonable places and immerse in cultural splendor at Surajkund International Crafts Mela.
Also Read: Discover the Best Traditional Arts and Crafts Destinations in India
