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Sumedha Sharma
The 33rd edition of the International Surajkund Crafts Mela, the poster image of Haryana’s cultural endeavours, being held at Surajkund in Faridabad since February 1 is drawing lakhs of visitors.
The mela has Maharashtra as its theme state and Thailand as the partner nation. It has 111 stalls where Indian and international artisans are showcasing their unique culture and rich heritage through various art forms, handicrafts and food stalls. Though each stall has a unique flavour to it, there are a few that are proving to be an instant hit.
Dry flowers, life-size soft toys
A number of youths have been thronging the mela every day, looking to get the best bunch of flowers and cuddly teddies in view of past Valentine’s Day. The stalls of message-bearing soft toys and customised accessories have been the biggest grocers, as Archies and Hallmark replicas are available at much cheaper price at Rs 200.
Similarly, dry and artificial flower arrangements at various stalls of northeastern states and various countries have been crowd-pullers.
Taj Mahal replicas
The marble Taj Mahal replicas being sold at the stall number 992 are one of the most sought-after items in the mela. Craftsman Kishore is a national award winner and he has been flooded with the demand of the miniature Taj Mahal priced at starting Rs 2,000. Besides, a marble cannon priced at Rs 7,000 is also a major crowd-puller.
Selfie stations
Considering people’s love for selfie and photos, several selfie stations have been created in the mela venue. People wait in long queues to get their perfect selfies. Swings have been put up near fountains on the mela premises where couples are getting their photos clicked in the Radha Krishna style. The replica of Thailand beaches and a mega carved door from Mahrashtra and Apna Ghar of Haryana are also the major attractions.
Eco-friendly Warli paintings
Sanjay Chintu Rajad from Palghar practises the traditional craft of Warli painting using coal, ash and clay as base for his masterpieces. From classical ‘Tarpa dance’ to the ‘Tree of Life’, all the paintings are drawing immediate attention.
Metal artifacts
Artisan Praful Mohale from Nagpur is exhibiting his metal work creations and is getting a large number of visitors to his stall. Colourful and eye-catching, these decoration items made from metals are sure to attract many buyers. From frames to cutouts, the art works pivot around the theme of nature and beautiful traditional ceremonies.
Thailand’s herbal products
From anti-radiation cactus to handmade casuals, Thailand’s tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of the Buddha have been replicated in the mela’s decoration. The partner nation Thailand has put up interesting stalls showcasing intricate decorative items, herbal care products or handmade casual wear that have been drawing crowds.
Artisan Kamoalthip offers a cactus plant, which has anti-radiation properties, to be used at home to bar unhealthy radiations. Nucharee Nilsuwan is offering authentic herbal products made from rare herbs and traditional Thai methods. Exclusive perfumes made by her team are drawing women. Pitak Intawong has brought hand-carved decorative items such as flowerpots, doorbells and lamps made from mango wood.
Artisan Bhodsaya is offering handmade t-shirts and casual dresses with traditional tie dye prints and natural colours. Thailand has even brought its culinary heritage with Thai soups such as ‘Tum Yum’ and curries such as red and green curry that are getting much appreciation.
Cultural performances
The amphitheatre or the chaupal decorated in the traditional style is witnessing performances by folk artistes from Ghana, Egypt, Thailand, Zimbabwe and various Indian states. The major crowd-puller this time has been the Laavni performance and various plays depicting the life and valour of Maratha warrior Shivaji Rao.
Cotton, silk of Latur
Various artisans from the quaint town of Latur in Maharashtra are showcasing a wide range of exquisite cotton and silk sarees, dress materials and suits with mesmerising block prints and textures. Many self-help groups such as the Mahila Arthik Vikas Mandal and the Tejasvini Loksanchalit Sadhan Kendra too are participating in this category. These organisations help rural artisans, particularly women, by showcasing their handicrafts and handloom products in fairs and exhibitions.
Concessions allowed to girl students, war widows
35 nations participating
Nepal, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Senegal, Zambia, Comoros, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, South Africa, Austria, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Niger, Tajikistan, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Ghana, Seychelles, Ethiopia, Morocco, Palestine, Bhutan, Uganda, Armenia, Maldives, Sudan, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Apna Ghar
To showcase traditional Haryanvi and Marathi homes and lifestyles of both states, several Apna Ghar have been erected. The décor in the Haryanvi Apna Ghar is typically rural with a king-sized ‘charpoy’, agricultural tools, ethic dresses etc. A handloom artisan, Muthoo Khan, is not just demonstrating his traditional loom but also happily getting his photos clicked with visitors. Similarly, the theme state Maharashtra has created a traditional Marathi house, which presents the traditional style of architecture with a veranda as the central figure and living areas and rooms surrounding it. Folk artistes from Maharashtra sit in the veranda and greet the audience with bhajans sung in the praise of Vithal Bhagwan.
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