Vinit Wahi / Surajkund
The 33rd Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2019 was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister, Mr. Devendra Fadnavis while Haryana Chief Minister and Mr. Manohar Lal presided over the inaugural ceremony today. The Mela will be open from February 1 to 17, 2019, daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Additional Chief Secretary, Haryana Tourism, Mr. Vijai Vardhan said that Maharashtra is the ‘Theme State’ of the 33rd Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2019, which is showcasing its unique culture and rich heritage through various art forms and handicrafts from the state. Hundreds of artistes from Maharashtra will be performing different folk arts and dances. From traditional dances and art forms to ballets based on Shivaji Maharaj, there is a bouquet of heritage and culture from Maharashtra to enthral the audience. Also a replica of ‘Maha Dwar or Maha Darwaza’, the main entrance of the historic hill fort of the Raigad promises to be the main attraction of this year’s Mela.
He said that this year more than 30 countries will be part of the Mela, which include the Partner Nation – Thailand. There will be enthusiastic participation from Nepal, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Senegal, Zambia, Comoros, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, South Africa, Austria, Netherland, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Niger, Tajikistan, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Ghana, Seychelles, Ethiopia, Morocco, Palestine, Bhutan, Uganda, Armenia, Maldives, Sudan, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo. To enliven the visitors’ mood, scintillating performances will be presented by international folk artistes from the participating countries.
A variety of day performers will enthral the visitors like at the Been Party, Nagara Party, Ragini, Bagpiper Group from Haryana, Kachhi Ghori from Rajasthan, Nachaar Group from Punjab, puppet show, magic show, Live Demonstration of Hath Ki Chakki and the ever famous Behrupiyas, who will keep the crowds entertained with their enchanting talent and showmanship within the Mela ground.
The Mela ground is spread over 40 acres of land and houses over 1,000 work huts for craftspersons and a multi-cuisine food court, which is immensely popular with visitors. This year, visitors can relish mouth-watering cuisines including authentic flavours of Maharashtra, Haryana, and sumptuous Mughlai, subtle aromas of the South and oriental flavours of Chinese along with Indian street food and other state specialities at the food court. Also, state-owned Institutes of Hotel Management of Faridabad and Panipat would dish out various ethnic delicacies.