Surjakund

In the year 1981, the Surjakund Crafts Mela was first started. The tourism department of the state of Haryana arranged this mela. The department had also created some laws regarding hosting numerous cultural functions at an international level. Folk theatres are also glorified in this exciting fair, which goes on for a stretch of 15 days. The Surjakund Village is flooded with people during this busy 15 days, since many a people from faraway places come to this simple yet exquisite fair. 

                                       TOURIST PLACES IN SURAJKUND

All over the country, the most exquisite handicrafts are displayed in the Surjakund Crafts Mela for the visitors to see. The fair goes on for a stretch of 15 days, from 1st February to 15th February. The energy of the intense customs, traditions and the art are mirrored in the mela. The distance between the South Delhi and Surjakund is a mere 8 Kms. Craftsmen from all over the country come here to showcase their products. As compared to the price of the crafts in the emporiums, here the prices are much less and also the products are just spectacular. 

One can feel the hustle bustle of the crowd moving everywhere in the mela grounds, wandering in and out of the many stalls showcasing shimmering mirror work embroidery, trinkets and toys, items made out of metal and cane, beautiful artistic Terracotta products with folk motis and also the glitter of the silks. The open air theatre, named the Natyashala, hosts many a musical and dance events such as folk dances. Throughout the stretch of the 15 days, these dance and musical events goes on. 

A small scale food festival, another small attraction of the mela, is also held here. Varying mouthwatering delicacies of different cuisines such as Punjabi, South Indian, Chinese and many more, can be found here. In the special corners, the traditional dishes are present. 

In the Mela, numerous states of India take part. From the state of Punjab one can see the amazing rose-wood carvings and crafts made of wood. From the states of South India, one can catch a glimpse of the sandalwood and from Kashmir, Chikri wood crafts can be seen. From West Bengal, works like cane crafts, Shital Patti and Sholapith are worth having a look. In the section of embroidery products one must see the showcase of Punjab’s Phulkari work, the Bunni and Banjara works belonging to the state of Rajasthan and Gujarat, Tripura’s and West Bengal’s Kantha work, Goa’s Crochet and Lace works, Kashmir’s Suzni and also not to mention the Chikankari work from Lucknow. 

In case of the flooring products, the displays contains gorgeous products such as Kashmir’s Carpet and Namda, the Punja Durrie belonging to the states of Punjab and Haryana, Mirzapur’s woolen druggets and South India’s beautiful rag and coir carpets.  Some of the other crafts that are worth looking into are the seashell decorative items, stonework and oxidized jewellery. Toys made out of cane and wood, ply and mud are also intriguing. 

From the Rajasthan State one can catch a glimpse of the exciting Phad paintings, Orissa’s beautiful Temple paintings, Karnataka’s and Andhra Pradesh’s interesting Kalamkari Paintings and Bihar’s Madhubani. Bell metal works, vintage South Indian metal work, Dhora work and shimmering items made of brass constitutes the metal section.

                                             HOW TO REACH SURAJKUND

By Road: Private buses offer their services. One can also hire private cabs or cars in order to come here.

By Air: Delhi has the closest air terminal. It takes 35 minutes drive to go between the mela grounds and the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The distance between the grounds and the Palam Airport is a mere 25 Kms.

By Rail: The closest railway station is situated in Delhi.