A colourful start
FAIR TIME
It is a festival of colours and craft at the 26th Surajkund Crafts Mela where local and international artists have displayed their exquisite range. 
Thailand’s participation as the partner nation has added to the international flavour, while offering a rich fusion of Indian and Thai heritage. Other countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have also participated in this 15-day long carnival.
“I feel happy to be a part of this exhibition, as this place provides opportunity for craftsmen to explore wider avenues to earn their livelihood. This opportunity of displaying our arts and crafts at a national platform has opened up other avenues for us. We brought the best of our arts and crafts and displayed them here,” says Shriram Gogoi, woodcraft artist from Assam.
The fair that will conclude on February 14 also facilitates the ‘Annual Exporters & Buyers Meet’ where artisans come face to face with exporters without any middlemen. It has been done with an aim to give the craftsmen a direct opportunity to improve and expand their artistic horizon.
Surajkund Crafts Mela started in 1987 but since 1989, one state has been projected as a theme state in the mela. Nearly 600 work huts have been fabricated in an area of 30 acres of land this year. A separate enclosure has also been designed as the food court where a variety of food and snacks are available.
Visitors can also indulge in a host of cultural programmes at both the chaupals and natyashalas.
The cultural teams have been selected jointly by Surajkund Mela Authority, theme state – Assam and Cultural Affairs Department of Haryana. Over 500 performers will not only entertain the visitors but also infuse the required enthusiasm in the mela during the upcoming days.
“I was here to see the handicrafts and fine artwork from all the different states of India, but the mela has created an attractive and artistic ambience this year which will definitely lift the image of our country and this mela. This is real mini India,” smiles Nikhil Khurana, a visitor.
