Visitors can book entry and parking tickets through Paytm Insider and the Website of Haryana Tourism
Since 1987, Surajkund Crafts Mela showcasing the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural heritage of India
Replicas of Vaishno Devi temple, Amar Nath temple, among the main attractions of this year’s Mela
Visitors to have a glimpse of 75 years of independence theme with motifs and replicas of independence medals, tri-colored buntings and commemorative stamps
Chandigarh, March 19: Finally after a hiatus of two years, Haryana’s unique Surajkund Crafts Mela has been officially inaugurated today for all those visitors who had been eagerly waiting to visit their favourite Mela. While this time, the best part is that visitors can book the Mela entry and parking tickets through Paytm Insider and on Haryana Tourism’s website, to help visitors easily enter Mela premises without the hassles of long queues. Besides this, a virtual tour and craftsperson information is made available through an App on the website www.surajkundmelaauthority.com. Moreover, a 50 percent rebate on the entry tickets is being given to Divyangjan, Senior citizens Serving defense personnel, and Ex-servicemen. Also, Special buses will run from various points to carry passengers from the surrounding areas to the fair site.
35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2022 comes with a promise of a bigger event with renewed energy
Since the year 1987, the Surajkund Crafts Mela has been constantly showcasing the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and the cultural heritage of India. However, due to the global COVID-19 Pandemic, the Mela was not organized but the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2022 comes with a promise of a bigger event with renewed energy.
Jointly hosted by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, External Affairs and Government of Haryana, this handicraft festival has come to occupy a place of pride and prominence on the international tourism calendar for its display of crafts, culture and cuisine of India in aesthetically created ambiance.
Replicas of Vaishno Devi temple, Amarnath temple, Apna Ghar, among the main attractions of this year’s Mela
As the Jammu and Kashmir is the ‘Theme State’ of the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2022, hence replicas of Vaishno Devi temple, Amarnath temple, Apna Ghar representing architecture from Kashmir, live demonstration of House Boat and Commemorative gate ‘Mubarak Mandi– Jammu’ would remain the main attractions.
Also, hundreds of artists from J&K will perform different folk arts and dances. From traditional dances art forms to exquisite crafts, a bouquet of heritage and culture from J&K would remain the key highlight of this Mela showcasing unique culture and rich heritage through various art forms and handicrafts from the state.
Thousands of craftsperson coming across India get a stage to showcase their art to a wider audience
Through this Mela, thousands of craftsperson coming across India not only get a golden platform to showcase their art and products to a wider audience, but this Mela also plays a pivotal role in reviving the heritage crafts of India.
A benchmark was set in the history of Surajkund Crafts Mela as it was upgraded to an international level in the year 2013. In 2020, more than 30 countries from Europe, Africa and Asia participated in the Mela, while this year More than 30 countries will be a part of the Mela, which includes the Partner Nation – Uzbekistan.
Besides this, there will be enthusiastic participation from Latin American Countries, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Namibia, Sudan, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Senegal, Angola, Ghana, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Iran, Maldives and many more.
‘Apna Ghar’ to showcase the authentic lifestyle of Haryana
A family from Haryana is going to live in specially-created ‘Apna Ghar’ to showcase the authentic lifestyle of Haryana. ‘Apna Ghar’ gives a chance to the visitors to experience the lifestyle of the people of the state and also provides them a chance to interact and learn about their culture. Apna Ghar will showcase traditional earthenware, utensils, etc and craftsmen will give a live demonstration of these traditional crafts.
Both Chaupals (amphitheatres) have been given a new look inspired by the elements of the participating state and partner nation to make the performances come alive for the audience along with the use of traditional props.
Scintillating performances by international folk artists to enthrall the audience
To enliven the visitors’ mood, scintillating performances will be presented by international folk artists from the participating foreign countries including Artists from across the States of India. A variety of day performers will enthrall the visitors like at the Bhangra from Punjab, Bihu from Assam, Barsana ki Holi, Lok Niritya From Haryana, Jamakda from Himachal Pradesh, Lavni from Maharashtra, Live Demonstration of Hath Ki Chakki and the ever famous Behrupiyas, will keep the crowd entertained with their enchanting talent and showmanship within the Mela ground.
Besides this, enthralling evening cultural performances during the Mela fortnight will entertain the visitors. Enjoy eclectic performances from bands like Rehmat-e-Nusrat, resonating Ghazals by Rinku Kalia, enthralling dance performances, soulful Sufi performances, Rhythms of India by Maati Baani, besides foot-tapping dance and song shows of J&K, Uzbekistan and other international artists will start at the Chaupal from 7.00 pm onwards.
Mela ground spread over 43.5 acres of land
The Mela ground is spread over 43.5 acres of land and houses 1183 work huts for craftspersons and a multi-cuisine Food Court, which is immensely popular with visitors. The ambiance of the Mela will carry ethnic vibes with motifs and decorations such as Mahua, Nargis, Panchjanya. Besides this, the visitors will have a glimpse of 75 years of independence theme with motifs and replicas of independence medals, tri-colored buntings and commemorative stamps.
Other key highlights of the Mela
- To beef up security arrangements more than 100 CCTV
- Cameras have been installed in the Mela ground along with the
Night Vision Cameras. A large number of security personnel, including women guards, are deployed in the Mela premises to prevent the occurrence of any untoward incident or mishap.
- Hassle parking through technological innovations.
- Use of NPR Technology for e-Surveillance to capture number
plate recognition of vehicles entering the Mela parking.
- Introduction of crowd counting technology.
- Check on intrusion entry of trespassers entering Mela.
- Fire Brigade team and medical teams will be available for any
emergency throughout the Mela.
- Improved facilities for the differently-abled persons and a
complete ban is imposed on the plastic/polythene bags within the Mela premises.
- Art and culture department will showcase traditional and cultural
artists like Kacchi Ghodi, Stick walker, Kalbelia, Behrupia from Rajasthan, Kangri Nati from Himachal, Bihu from Assam, Bhangra, Jindua, Jhoomer from Punjab, Chapeli from Uttarakhand, Barsana ki Holi from Uttar Pradesh, Wangia from Meghalaya, Sambhalpuri Odisha, Badhai from Madhya Pradesh, Lawni from Maharashtra and much more.
- Exporters and Buyers Meet is organized during the Mela
fortnight that offers a ready support system for craftspersons to access and tap the export market.