Get drenched in India's culture

It is one of the most awaited events of the year and like always, this year too the 28th Surajkund International Crafts Mela has many things to offer. From mouthwatering food to handloom items, from handicrafts to decorative pieces, from jewellery to entertainment activities – the Mela has all under one roof.

The Mela has Goa as its theme State this year, and as one enters the precincts the famed Goan bonhomie and energy welcomes the guests. Huge hand-made flowers, butterflies adorn the place and many artistes wearing various themed-dresses flit about adding verve to the festive atmosphere. The folk dances and songs from Goa, colourful floats and live processions from the State add to the charm of the Mela. 

In a chat with Metrolife, Shubhra Bhardwaj, consultant to the Goa Government and Goa Tourism Ministry said, “It is a great honour for us to be given the responsibility for the operations for this prestigious Surajkund Mela. This year’s theme is Goa and we have planned everything to match up to the expectations of Goa lovers. We have kept it colourful, bright and vibrant. The Goa carnival, which is one of the best in the country showcased the culture of Goa at its best.

We wanted to show that the State is not just good for holidays but its culture and heritage is also something to be talked about. Goa is a multi-cultural State and we prepared dances representing fusion of Portuguese, Christian and Hindu communities.”

The lively and colourful mela had various other dancers enthralling the visitors too – from Punjabi folk dance to Rajasthani garba – people danced to the tunes of dhol and nagara at the Mela. The Mela has brought together 60 different kinds of craftsmen, has over 300 manpower and about 131 performing groups from all over the country just for the fortnight-long event. 

Giving a treat to the shutterbugs, there were beautiful dancers from Uzbekistan who danced on Punjabi beats and entertained the crowd. Joining the crowd were artistes dressed and made-up like monkeys who were a big hit  with the kids. 

The Mela largely focused on the theme State Goa showcasing the lifestyle, culture and heritage through Goanese food, dance and clothes. After Goa, the other country which drew maximum attention was Sri Lanka, the participating partner country for the Mela.Talking about the Mela and how different it is from Dilli Haat and the annual Trade Fair, Shubhra added, “The money from the Mela directly goes to the artisans and no one else.

We have only 1,000 stalls for exhibitors but, every year we get over 30, 000 applicants which shows its growing popularity among all the weavers and artisans from across the country.”