Surajkund Mela 2024: Bridging Borders Through Crafts And Culture

As per media reports, the Surajkund International Crafts Mela attracted a large audience eager to immerse themselves in global diversity and celebrate a vibrant cultural tapestry encompassing arts, handicrafts, and cuisines. This event, which took place from 2 – 18 February, 2024, served as a convergence point for various cultures, offering visitors the opportunity to explore handicrafts, enjoy cultural performances, attend exhibitions, and savour a diverse array of cuisines.

This year, Tanzania was designated as the partner country, and Gujarat was the chosen theme state for the Mela. The event was inaugurated on 2 February, 2024 by President Droupadi Murmu, drawing attention to the rich cultural exchange taking place. The Mela boasted the participation of nearly 40 countries, including Tanzania, contributing to the event's international flavour and showcasing a global celebration of craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Anticipated to have drawn a crowd exceeding one million visitors by its conclusion on 18 February, 2024, the fair was not merely a showcase of art and crafts but also a means of fostering cross-border connections and understanding, as emphasised by President Murmu during the crafts fair's inauguration.

The Virasat Cultural Exhibition at the fair offered a unique experience where visitors are greeted with the slogan 'Pagdi Bandhao, Photo Khinchao.' Enthusiastically, attendees donned the 'Haryanvi Pagdi' and captured moments through photos. Mahasingh Poonia, Director of the Virasat exhibition, noted that the rising popularity of the 'Haryanvi Pagdi' at the Mela, where people engaged in taking selfies with traditional items associated with Haryana's villages, some of which are now rarely seen in contemporary use.

Among the showcased items were iron, brass, and wooden bells designed for cows, buffaloes, elephants, and carts, providing a glimpse into the historical and cultural artifacts on display at the Mela.

Within the exhibition, visitors could explore wooden blocks utilised for printing and historical measurement scales employed in rural areas for gauging grains and oil during the pre-Independence era. In the 37th edition of this year's Mela, besides Tanzania, attendees were treated to a glimpse of African culture through stalls hosted by various nations on the continent.

Craftsperson Grace Mihigo from Tanzania noted the appreciation from visitors for cotton dresses, leather bags, accessories, and handmade paintings. Similarly, a craftsperson from Togo mentioned the allure of jewellery for visitors, while stalls from other African nations showcased jute products, woodcraft, and pottery items.

The 'Chaupal' at the fair became a hub for cultural performances, capturing the attention of the visitors. Neeraj Kumar, Managing Director of Haryana Tourism Corporation and Chief Administrator of Surajkund Mela Authority, described the fair as an immersive experience for visitors, featuring a blend of regional and international crafts, handlooms, and culinary delights from across the globe.

Organised annually by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, External Affairs, and the Haryana government, this fair has been a tradition since its inception in 1987. Initially established to showcase the richness and diversity of Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and cultural heritage, the Mela evolved to an international level in 2013.

In this edition, eight northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—participated as cultural partners. The theme state, Gujarat, had set up an 'Apna Ghar' to offer glimpses into the traditional lifestyle of Gujarati households, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in cultural vibes at the Mela.

Additionally, the Mela served as a platform for various competitions for school students throughout its duration. Officials highlighted the significance of the exporters and buyers meet organised during the event, providing a crucial support system for craftspeople to access and tap into the export market.