Surajkund Mela - Haryana
About Surajkund Mela
The Surajkund Mela is an annual cultural fair organized and celebrated in the North Indian state of Haryana. The Haryana Tourism Corporation and the Surajkund Mela Authority are the organizers of this extraordinary event, and it typically takes place in February. Surajkund Fair is one of the most popular cultural events attracting countless visitors from all over the country and the world.
The origins of the fair are in Surajkund, a small village that is geographically a part of Faridabad, Haryana. The fair is spread- out in an amphitheatre-like setting, with the Surajkund reservoir serving as a picturesque backdrop. The main inspiration behind the fair is to showcase the traditional crafts, art, and culture of various regions of India.
The fair has a long, glorious history, dating back to the 8th century AD. The Surajkund reservoir, which provides the backdrop for the fair, was built during the reign of the Tomar dynasty. The Tomar kings were great patrons of art and culture, and the reservoir became a venue for cultural performances and events. The Kund is said to have been built around 668 AD by Suraj Pal, son of Anang Pal, as he was a great devotee of The God Surya. The Kund may have been named after him, although many historians don’t believe in this theory and propose that the kund was named after the nearby Surya Temple. Whatever the case may be, it is a piece of art and beautiful architecture. Design of the Kund is in the shape of a rising sun, with the chord on its west side.
The Kund, unlike many other Tomar Dynasty architectural wonders, remained somewhat unaffected by the passage of time (although it was a matter of concern). The Post-independence Haryana Government decided to develop it as a tourist site, along with preserving the cultural heritage and local art, which were facing the threat of extinction due to the rapid modernization and industrialization leading to the conception of the annual SurajKund Mela.
The fair is a melting pot of different cultures, and here, artisans and craftsmen from all over India come to display their creations. Visitors get to see and acquire an astonishing variety of handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, and other traditional items for sale. The fair also features a wide range of cultural performances, including music and dance performances and traditional art forms such as puppetry and storytelling.
The Surajkund Mela is also known for the delicious food it presents. Visitors can find a wide variety of traditional Indian dishes from different regions of the country, along with international cuisine. The fair also features several food stalls selling traditional sweets and snacks.
The Surajkund Mela is a remarkable cultural event because not only does it showcase the local culture and promote local art and craft, but each year, the fair promotes the traditional art, crafts and culture of a different state of India. For SurajKund Mela 2023, according to the official website of Haryana Tourism, the theme state is going to be the North Eastern Region(comprising of eight states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, often termed as the Eight Siblings with Sikkim- referred to as the ‘Brother’ to the ‘Seven Sisters’). This tradition ensures visitors can experience the unique culture and traditions of different regions of India each year. Not only this, but the fair also attracts foreign participation, with partner nations showcasing their unique culture, traditions and artwork. For 2023, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will partner with the fair, and visitors will get a chance to see participation from a host of foreign countries.
At the fair, you can hope to see several competitions and contests, including traditional music and dance competitions and competitions for traditional crafts and handicrafts. These competitions provide a platform for young and upcoming artists and artisans to showcase their skills and promote their work.
Surajkund Mela has emerged as a tremendous cultural force promoting traditional Indian arts and crafts, which are facing the threat of extinction due to rapid modernization and industrialization. The fair provides a platform for artisans and craftsmen to showcase their skills and promote their work, giving impetus to the creative spirit of the local artisans and creators.
It also provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn more about the cultures and traditions of the country, as well as discover and interact with other cultures around the globe. The fair organizes several cultural and educational activities, including lectures, workshops, and exhibitions on various aspects of Indian culture and history.
The fair is one of the best cultural events to experience the rich cultural heritage of India, a chance to learn more about the country’s diverse traditions and customs and purchase traditional crafts and souvenirs. With the perfect blend of cultural preservation, entertainment and education, and its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings, the Surajkund Mela is a unique and unforgettable experience. So, whether you’re a traveller, a student of Indian culture, or someone who loves art and tradition, the Surajkund Mela is an event you should not miss. If you get a chance to visit North India in February, don’t miss the opportunity to attend.
Other Destinations
- Gangasagar Mela-West Bengal
- Adivasi Mela-Odisha
- Uttarayani Mela - Uttrakhand
- Pushkar Mela-Rajasthan
- Kumbh Mela
Places
- Faridabad