37th edition of Surajkund International Crafts Mela sees participation of over 40 countries
Apart from Indian crafts, this year, artisans from Tanzania and other African countries are also commanding the attention of visitors with their inimitable handicrafts.
It was in 1987, the mela was held for the first time to exhibit the richness and diversity of the local crafts and the cultural heritage of India. Later in 2013 the fair went international.
This year all eight states from the north-east — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura — are participating as cultural partners.
Iron, brass and wooden bells used for cows, buffaloes, elephants, and carts are also displayed at the mela.
At the exhibition, wooden blocks used for printing, and the measurement scales used in rural areas for measuring grains and oil in the pre-Independence era, are also on display.
Cotton dresses, leather bags and accessories and handmade paintings are being liked by visitors, says Tanzanian craftsperson Grace Mihigo.
As per Chief Administrator of Surajkund Mela Authority and MD, Haryana Tourism Corporation, Neeraj Kumar, for the visitors the fair has been an immersive experience featuring regional and international crafts, handlooms, and culinary delights from around the world.
Each year, the fair is hosted by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, External Affairs and the Haryana government.
Tanzania is the partner country and Gujarat is the theme state for this year’s mela, which was inaugurated by President on February 2.
The centre of attraction, the state of Gujarat also created an ‘Apna Ghar’ to showcase the traditional lifestyle of the Gujarati households offering glimpses for those who want to soak in the cultural landscape of the arid region.
In order to encourage experiential learning through traditional crafts, a number of competitions are organised for school students across the fair.
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