The transformation of local or regional trend into global ones is reaching to far more exquisite trends. The steady advancements in communication is making the world a smaller place to live in there is greater opportunities now-a-days communicate socially, economically and politically. The famous Suraj Kund Handicrafts Fair acts as a platform for displaying folk arts and crafts from all over the nation. It provides a unique opportunity for the talented artists, weavers, painters, sculptors and craftsmen from different regions of India, to display their skill. The whole preparation of the fair is done, keeping a particular state in mind. Every year a new state is chosen as the theme and the entire decoration is changed accordingly. Madhya Pradesh popularly known as “The Heart of Incredible India” was chosen as the Theme State for this year’s 23rd Surajkund Craft Fair. The commemorative structure for the Mela was a replica of Bhimbetka, an important landmark of the State. The Theme is expressed in the look of the entrance, the fair grounds, the setting and the characteristic colours, materials, architecture, furniture and decorations etc. to create a specific ambience of the particular state.
The Crafts Mela celebrates the finest handlooms and handicrafts traditions of country. This year over 400 award-winning craftsmen from different states of the country participated in this Mela displaying their rich crafts tradition of India in the typical setting of a rural Indian marketplace. Crafts like woodwork, metalwork, papier-mache, weaving, embroidery, sculpture, and bamboo and cane craft are exhibited.
While my special interest lies in Textiles and Garments, It was enchanting to see the variety of brilliancy. In embroidery, the Phulkari of Punjab, the 'Banjara' and 'Bunni' embroidery of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the 'Kantha' traditions from West Bengal and Tripura, lace and crochet from Goa, the 'Suzni' of Kashmir encasing embroidery, delicate lace work, shimmer of iridescent silks etc were striking.
There were participants from Thailand displaying their finest designs on silk; Bhutan exhibiting Galpane, silk and cotton fabric; Kabul Neelam Silk, products ranging from 15000-17000. Ambala Embroidery and Kashmir Panshmina Shawls and fabrics were truly beautiful. Jammu & Kashmir’s woollen and cotton work Rafal was drawing customers to their profit. Rajasthani Baadshah Miya’s Tie & Die Laharia was especially colourful. Assam’s Apila Rabha’s deisgner textile like Kamblet, Khambang, Mufflers ranging from Rs.500 – Rs.700 were hand woven beautifully.
Chattisgarh speciality Kosa dupatta made from Cocoon Silk ranging from Rs.100-Rs.13000 were really pretty. Beautiful Banarasi Sarees from Pilikoti were on display. The Sarees ranging from Rs.800-Rs.8000 and Salwars ranging Rs.10000-Rs.45000 were exquisite. The traditional Chikan work of Lucknow delight, Andhra Pradesh’s Cotton and Handloom, Himachal Pradesh’s Woollen Shawls had a high purchasing demand. The Mela was really fascinating. The Surajkund Crafts perfectly highlights the most superior handloom and handicraft ethnicity of the country.
A fair of this magnitude would naturally have supplementary interests. Therefore traditional variety of rural Indian cuisines along with several fast food stalls selling burgers pizza’s and chowmein were set up to cater people’s interests. Apart from that, there is the usual gamut of entertainment-rides and shows for kids, and daylong cultural events, including folk dance and music recitals, with stress on the state theme.
This kind of exhibitions expose the richness of the traditional artwork of our country. Cultural programmes were also a part of this colourful fair. Participants from various parts of the country were invited to showcase their performance. The whole surrounding turned colourful with shiny and decorative lamps. For art-lovers, there can never be an end in this particular Mela where he can enjoy his most. I am looking forward for a second trip next year to enjoy the beauty of colourful India…!
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