The word ‘mela’ in Sanskrit refers to a ‘gathering’ or ‘fair’ which can either be ceremonial, religious or just commercial. Riverside melas and village fairs have always been a part of Indian history, with some believing that the largest of them all – the Kumbh Mela – dates back to 644 CE. While we cannot verify that fact, we can tell you that there is nothing like being a part of an Indian Mela held out in the open. The amazing plethora of local crafts on sale and the infectious energy is something that should be experienced in person to really know what we are talking about. One such popular mela is the winter fair called Surajkund Mela, held in Surajkund.
What Is The Surajkund Mela All About?
The Surajkund Mela is an international craft festival, hosted by the Haryana Tourism Department, that showcases the culture and talent of artists across the globe including Africa, South Asia and Europe. The festival’s name originates from Surajkund, a man-made reservoir, built by King Suraj Pal in the 10th century. The area started receiving a lot more attention and tourism when they started hosting the ‘Surajkund International Craft Mela’.
Why Should You Go to SurajKund Mela?
Attending this festival will be a weekend getaway that you will truly cherish. Be it experiencing first hand the mastery of weavers and craftsmen or the village atmosphere of the festival, there is something for everyone! Local crafts from around the country include Bengal’s Dokra, Kashmiri Chikri, Sholapith, and Shital Patti from Assam, Kalamkari paintings, dresses, silks, lace and so much more. If you are doing up your love collecting unique home decor items, you could also pick up some terracotta pottery, paintings, metal-inlay vessels, antique stone sculptures, and other décor items. At HomeLane, we believe there is nothing like showcasing the home owner’s collectibles in their homes for a rich, personalized look. For the foodies out there, relish in a wide variety of ethnic dishes that will definitely be worth the trip. Keep your little ones entertained with the fun rides. Also, there are some beautiful folk dance and music shows put up at the open-air theatre that the whole family can enjoy!
There are hotels available for every budget from five-star hotels to budget-friendly home-stays. If you do decide to make the trip, don’t miss out on a visit to the Peacock Lake, the terracotta park, and the Badhkal Lake Complex which can be experienced for the entire family.
All Eyes On You, Himachal Pradesh
Each year, a state is chosen as the theme for the festival. The fair’s architectural layout, decor etc are inspired by the particular state. This year, the 34th year of the fair, the state of Himachal Pradesh has been chosen as the theme. So if you want to get your hands on some authentic Himachal handicrafts and food, you know where to go!
Surajkund Facts At A Glance:
| Location | Faridabad, 8 km from South Delhi |
| Date | February 1st – 17th, 2020 |
| Timings | 9.30 am to 7.00 pm every day |
| Entry | Tickets cost a nominal amount of approximately Rs. 50. It can be bought at one of the entrances of the fair. |
| Travel | The fair is held in Faridabad district of Haryana. You can reach it by all means of transport. From Delhi, you can take the Mehrauli-Tughlaqabad highway to Faridabad, past the Rifle Shooting range. If you’re travelling from Agra, you can take the Delhi-Agra highway and turn right before Faridabad to reach Surajkund. |
