Wood, really good in Suraj Kund

By Abhishek Pandey

Haryana tourism ministry annually organizes a two week International Handy craft Fair at Suraj Kund, Haryana. This year fair was scheduled from Feb 1 to Feb 15. Suraj Kund is located in the outskirts of Delhi and it is 30 minutes far from the Delhi-Haryana Badarpur border.

Tourism Ministry provides a free space to display handicraft works to several artists from many parts of the country. Several handicraft items including textile, glass, leather, handloom, paper and other different kinds of attractive handicraft works were showcased in the Mela. Wooden art works’ stalls are one of the most eye-catching spot in the Mela. Wooden handicraft items, wooden paintings, wood decoratives, walnut cravings, wooden interiors, book shelf, frame, panels, racks, sofa, bamboo garden furniture and jewelry, cane furniture and lot more wooden items were available in annual International handicraft Fair. The price of these products was as low as 50 rupees for a decorative to the four lakh rupees for a painting of Lord Krishna engraved on rose wood. These items are put here for the display and as well as for sale. Any one can buy or order the art work which s/he may not get in his/her vicinity.

Different artisans came from different parts of the country, ranging from far southern states like Andhra, Tamilnadu to far eastern states like Tripura, Assam including northern states. Every state is known for its distinctive wooden handicrafts. One could see the famous wooden paintings from Mysore, Karnataka. Jagat Pal, an artist, told that they come hear every year to showcase their art to the public. He added that it is very good initiative by Haryana government to encourage Indian handicrafts and artists.

Raheem from Saharanpur shared his view and said that most of the emporiums in cities purchase their products and sale those in the different metro cities and also export these products abroad through sea route. An artist from Guwahati said that Bamboo furniture is in great demand and they are coming there from last 20 years to show case their art. The artist told that he was selling the items of approx 25 to 30 thousand rupees daily and also got good orders in the Mela.

Mela also gives a feel of rural India through different cultural and musical programs at ‘Natyashala’ in the center of the craft fair. Different cultural and regional groups perform their cultural programs which is also one of the attractions of this Mela. One must not miss the food court which is situated at a quite higher place in the center of the ground. One can get the good Indian food of different states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and South Indian states, including Chinese dishes. A typical rural styled Domino’s is also situated for the Pizza lovers.

Haryana government initiated the craft fair in 1981. The Suraj Kunda, which means 'pool of the sun', is also has historical significance. Surajpal was the king here and he made a lake in this place. And that’s why this place is known as Suraj Kunda. Suraja Kunda is a worth place to visit for art lovers. But this year it is over, wait for a year.

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