As the tapping footsteps matched with the sinful rhythm,some left us asking for more,some made us in deep thought of how people all over the World and in India celebrate;I almost forgot I was in #Haryana India,but it felt like I was in some part of Spain having a Carnival.
We Indians,almost equate Mela with a certain disorganised,chaotic and cheap crowd,this one was one of my best event I attended last year but forgot to write.After having been to International Kite festival,Gujarat and Red Bull Flugtag,Bangalore which were utter disappointment ; I highly recommend it to everyone who lives in Delhi or in Haryana as a short gateway.I remember it took us an hour to reach there and we barely had any expectations but this one exceeded all our imaginations.
Most of you must have visited Surajkund Crafts Mela before it was recognised internationally 2 years back;but go again to witness the cultural extravaganza from all over the world with colourful Flowers,Shapes,Stalls of different countries and Acts.
Starting from today till mid Feb,this ones a steal! Watch the video below :
The 18 countries participating in this year's event include: Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan and Bangladesh; Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Qatar, Thailand, Uganda and Syria. The mela will be open til February 15 from 10.30 am-8.30 pm.
There are dances and acts by various countries and local dances too.As in India,we all know that different tribes,different religions,different age groups celebrate festivals,some of which takes back to ancient tradition.In fact,they are the ones who are preserving the tradition as it supposed to be preserved.
A rare example of it was a festival from Chattisgarh presented by a tribe who celebrate it during the Bhadav month on the days of Ekadashi after keeping Vrat(Fast).Another was a popular folk dance from Himachal.The best was the formation dance from the group of Rajasthan.
The rest were folk dances of different tunes but each tune told a different story,a different celebration.Some had theme such as ,as in every state people from poor communities and tribe strive to work hard to earn their bread,they during the evening celebrate their work with the tunes they humm.It was fascinating to know and more fascinating to hear them.Now we know,where from the Bollywood gets inspired.
Internationally,there were performances from Africos,Sri Lanka,Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan and many other countries.It felt like Alice in Wonderland for some where steps were so cute that we didn’t even step out for a moment.The traditional instrument of Africos is Kora which is a string instrument and they perform solo within their community and also world over.These instruments are made at home.While Sri-Lanka celebrated the process of catching a fish ‘a la maji re’ ,many other countries had Sufi tunes and music that took center stage.
These performances happen from morning till the evening.Apart from dance,we have plays and other acts.So in case if you are planning Surajkund,keep one day for performances and another day for Shopping.
One day just isn’t enough.
Coming back to stalls and crafts,most of the Delhites,consider Delhi Haat to be there one stop shopping stop.The stalls in Surajkund International Crafts Mela are from all over the world ranging from our states to the countries we never know craft wise.Even Pakistan and Afganisthan participated.Even though I kept my shopping time for half a day,I could see so many interesting stuff to bring back that I later regretted why I came on the last day.I got embroidered cushions,curtains and drapes.You get all range of products from all states and countries from Eco-friendly products to products made from cow - dung to crafts to clothes.It’s a heaven for shoppers.
One thing I didn’t like so much in Surajkund International Crafts Mela was the food.Even though there were stalls from all over,not many tasted as good.But do check the Goan stall where we had delicious chicken,and may be Rajasthan stall.By the end,I danced with the locals who were performing acts.Felt like one of them.
All in all,it’s a perfect day out with lots of things to do.So here’s my series of photo essay which will come in two parts,part1 and part2,there are so many interesting pics I am tempted to share but one blog post just won’t be enough.
Have you been to Surajkund International Crafts Fair?What are your thoughts?
Holiday Dance from Kazakhstan at 28th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2014
To know more about 29th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2015,click here on IBNLive
We Indians,almost equate Mela with a certain disorganised,chaotic and cheap crowd,this one was one of my best event I attended last year but forgot to write.After having been to International Kite festival,Gujarat and Red Bull Flugtag,Bangalore which were utter disappointment ; I highly recommend it to everyone who lives in Delhi or in Haryana as a short gateway.I remember it took us an hour to reach there and we barely had any expectations but this one exceeded all our imaginations.
Most of you must have visited Surajkund Crafts Mela before it was recognised internationally 2 years back;but go again to witness the cultural extravaganza from all over the world with colourful Flowers,Shapes,Stalls of different countries and Acts.
Starting from today till mid Feb,this ones a steal! Watch the video below :
The 18 countries participating in this year's event include: Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan and Bangladesh; Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Qatar, Thailand, Uganda and Syria. The mela will be open til February 15 from 10.30 am-8.30 pm.
There are dances and acts by various countries and local dances too.As in India,we all know that different tribes,different religions,different age groups celebrate festivals,some of which takes back to ancient tradition.In fact,they are the ones who are preserving the tradition as it supposed to be preserved.
Inspite of the crowd,it wasn't a cheap 'Mela' we are used to thinking about.
at Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2014
A rare example of it was a festival from Chattisgarh presented by a tribe who celebrate it during the Bhadav month on the days of Ekadashi after keeping Vrat(Fast).Another was a popular folk dance from Himachal.The best was the formation dance from the group of Rajasthan.
Himachal Takes Center stage
At Surajkund International Crafts Mela
The rest were folk dances of different tunes but each tune told a different story,a different celebration.Some had theme such as ,as in every state people from poor communities and tribe strive to work hard to earn their bread,they during the evening celebrate their work with the tunes they humm.It was fascinating to know and more fascinating to hear them.Now we know,where from the Bollywood gets inspired.
The entrance,the sponsoring partner is Go Goa(Goa Tourism)
At Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2014
Internationally,there were performances from Africos,Sri Lanka,Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan and many other countries.It felt like Alice in Wonderland for some where steps were so cute that we didn’t even step out for a moment.The traditional instrument of Africos is Kora which is a string instrument and they perform solo within their community and also world over.These instruments are made at home.While Sri-Lanka celebrated the process of catching a fish ‘a la maji re’ ,many other countries had Sufi tunes and music that took center stage.
Musical Instrument 'Kora' by Africos
These performances happen from morning till the evening.Apart from dance,we have plays and other acts.So in case if you are planning Surajkund,keep one day for performances and another day for Shopping.
You thought that was possible?
well there were many such formations with dance.
at Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2014
One day just isn’t enough.
Coming back to stalls and crafts,most of the Delhites,consider Delhi Haat to be there one stop shopping stop.The stalls in Surajkund International Crafts Mela are from all over the world ranging from our states to the countries we never know craft wise.Even Pakistan and Afganisthan participated.Even though I kept my shopping time for half a day,I could see so many interesting stuff to bring back that I later regretted why I came on the last day.I got embroidered cushions,curtains and drapes.You get all range of products from all states and countries from Eco-friendly products to products made from cow - dung to crafts to clothes.It’s a heaven for shoppers.
Performances in Front of Food Stalls
At Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2014
One thing I didn’t like so much in Surajkund International Crafts Mela was the food.Even though there were stalls from all over,not many tasted as good.But do check the Goan stall where we had delicious chicken,and may be Rajasthan stall.By the end,I danced with the locals who were performing acts.Felt like one of them.
All in all,it’s a perfect day out with lots of things to do.So here’s my series of photo essay which will come in two parts,part1 and part2,there are so many interesting pics I am tempted to share but one blog post just won’t be enough.
Have you been to Surajkund International Crafts Fair?What are your thoughts?
Wow that was quick. It's barely begun and already there's a blog post with photos. Amazing.
ReplyDelete@Kalpanaa:Ha ha ha thanks Kalpanaa.Only difference is this is of last year :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures and detailed travelogue ,, really like your presentations. thank you vary much for your informations
ReplyDelete