February, Surajkund, a rustic village bordering Haryana and Delhi, presents a colourful kaleidoscope of the finest Indian handicrafts and handlooms. The 15-day long crafts mela, one of the largest of its kind in the country, attracts top craftsmen from all over India and abroad.
The festival was started in 1987 by the government to promote Indian culture. Today it has gained international stature with a number of foreign tourists including it in their itinerary. The fair is set up around Surajkund, an ancient lake literally meaning ‘Lake of the Sun’.
The sprawling grounds turn colourful with a number of makeshift stalls displaying exquisite artifacts and handlooms. They include silk and cotton textiles, mirror work, pottery, stone work, terracotta, papier-mache, cane, lacquer, metal and glass work. Adding to the splendour are Pashmina shawls from Ladakh, metalware from Sikkim, lacquerware from Gujarat, puppets from Rajasthan, embroidered umbrellas from Orissa and intricately carved woodwork from Punjab.
At some stalls visitors can also see skilled craftsmen in action — either weaving a fine saree or a cane bag.
Enthusiastic visitors may try their hand at shaping a clay pot or two! The mela hosts cultural programmes and theatre workshops.
Folk dances, dramas and music programmes are held in a fanshaped open-air theatre called Natyashala. The mela has its share of tight-rope walkers, rummers, jugglers, stiltwalkers, clowns, magicians and mehendi artists. Food courts that offer authentic fare from across India are a big draw.
Besides SAARC countries, some European and African countries also participate in this prestigious mela.