A few weeks back I visited India's annual handicrafts fair.Held in the mildly chilly weather of February every year, this fair is meant to showcase the different crafts of India's heritage.
This is what the government site has to say about it:
Surajkund is the annual fair that showcases the finest handlooms, handicrafts, authentic fragrances & flavours of rich Indian cuisines. As winter turns briefly into spring, a caravan of more than 400 National and State awardee craftpersons from every corner of India wind their way to Surajkund. The craftpersons from SAARC Nations are also participating in the Surajkund Crafts Mela. At Surajkund Mela, the artisans' delicate hands create the most beautiful pieces which have fascinated many through ages !
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Craftspersons from all over India, SAARC and other neighbouring countries would be selling the best of Handlooms and Handicrafts items.
- A number of neihbouring countries also participate in this Mela.
- Exporters Meet and Buyers Meet to be held at Surajkund Design Galleries with assistance of the DC Handlooms and DC Handicrafts.
- Food Court with variety of Indian & SAARC countries Food.
- Amusement Zone with playful rides and swings.
- Folk Dances by Schools/Colleges at Chaupal (Village Square) daily from 11 a.m. onward
Craftsmen from all over come to display their wares and one can shop and learn at the same time! Arts of embroidery like Phulkari, Kantha, Chikan (not the bird :P), Zari work, Zardozi, Kasuti etc. are very popular and you can buy them in salwar kameez, sarees, shawls, stoles and even tops and tunics.
Metal ware like Chanderi, wicker work in traditional patterns are often seen. Pearl goods from Hyderabad abound in traditional and modernistic designs to the delight of the pearl lover (read : me)
so check out some pictures of the fair I took:
These masks are hand-painted, and used in the theatrical productions of the epic Ramayana in Thailand:
Marble work from Rajasthan
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