Article & Photos: Shilpi Shukla Alexander
Come, see... and get bewitched by the brilliant cultural tapestry that comprises India at the Surajkund Fair 2011
Think of awe-inspiring craftsmanship, cultural vibrancy, rustic charm, folk performances, sumptuous regional cuisines, and you picture the grand Surajkund Fair. Rightly described as a 'mini India', the fair comes alive with vivid shades of rich Indian crafts, folk traditions and cultural heritage every year. Skilled artisans, painters, weavers, potters, sculptors and craftsmen from all over the country come and display their traditional and splendid craftsmanship, in the typical setting of a rural Indian marketplace. Characteristic of its cultural mélange and exquisite exhibits from India and abroad, the fair is a riot of splendid colours yet again.
Organised for the first time in 1981 by Haryana Tourism, the fair completes 25 successful years in 2011. And this is why the fair (from February 1 to February 15) is more sparkling and eventful this year. Andhra Pradesh being the theme state at the Surajkund Fair this year, many famous folk performances are staged at the fair all day through. So if you want to enjoy kuchipudi, burrakatha, veeranatyam, butta bommalu, dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Bonalu, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Butta bommalu and other famous Andhra folk dances, Surajkund is the place to be. Also on display are beautiful craftworks of the state including banjara embroidery, brass artware, cherial scroll paintings, kondapalli toys, bidriware, pearls, kalamkaris and other appealing art forms. Besides, almost a caravan of 400 state and national-level award winning craftsmen from all over the nation has participated in the fair. The partner country in this year’s fair, Uzbekistan, has organized several interesting cultural shows and stalls in the fair. Craftpersons from SAARC nations have also exhibited an interesting array of collectibles.
Uneven and unpaved paths, dusty air, open ground, folk music playing at the backdrop and thatched platforms - coming to the Surajkund fair is like entering an Indian village. This rural fair is a good place to pick up some rare and beautiful items which one does not get in run of the mill handicraft exhibitions, local markets and malls. “The wide range from different states and countries is really exciting here. What’s more, here at Surajkund, everything ethnic and rustic can be bought at very reasonable prices. Though some of these items, specially ornamental jewellery and artifacts are available at these big malls, they are very high priced,” says Shruti Chauhan, a student. We couldn’t agree more! From beautiful mirror-embroidered fabrics, woven silk and cotton blended saris, floor coverings, intricate embroideries, beautiful lace work, folk motifs on terracotta forms to stone craft, metal ware, block-printed fabrics, leather goods, cane artifacts, woodcraft, jewellery, silverware, dolls, brassware, shimmering bangles, toys, trinkets, home décor items and many other hand-crafted products, there is a lot to see and shop in the fair.
Come here to buy fabrics, ornaments, footwear, furniture or artifacts, there is an amazing regional variety and traditional diversity in each item from one state stall to the other. Interested in embroidery? Check out the colourful phulkari work from Punjab, chikan work from Lucknow, suzni, chainstitch, crewel and mirror encasings from Kashmir, banjara and bunni from Gujarat and Rajasthan, kantha from West Bengal and Tripura, lace and crochet from Goa, and many other offerings from other states. Redefine the aesthetics of your living room with floor coverings from Namda, carpets from Kashmir, punja dhurries from Haryana, woolen carpets Mirzapur, and coir and rags from South India. For art connoisseurs, there are madhubani paintings from Bihar, phad and bani-thani paintings from Rajasthan, kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, temple paintings from Orissa, are also displayed in the Surajkund Mela. There is a fascinating variety of bamboo and cane artifacts from Punjab, sholapith and shital patti from Assam and West Bengal, rosewood and sandalwood woodcraft from South India, and chikri from Kashmir.
Enjoy some vivacious folk music and dance performances of different Indian states and other participating countries every evening at Natyashala, an open-air theater. Various competitions organized to entertain youngsters and playful rides and swings for kids at the amusement zone make a visit to the fair an ideal family outing. The umpteen food stalls offering scrumptious delicacies from various states are an added delight. When here, do visit the magnificent 10th century Surajkund lake too.
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