08 February,2011 09:14 AM IST | | Kumar Saurav
Childhood nostalgia is back with Surajkund Crafts Mela. And since it's the 25th edition, the splendor is even more remarkable
Some people frown at the idea of attending a mela. Probably because it sounds 'downmarket' when compared to swish malls where escalators don't put a strain on your knees, controlled temperature makes you forget the harshness of outside temperature, parking is never a problem and well-behaved (at least on face) salesmen attend to you.
But there are times when you should shun the hollowness of the life in a metro and patronise what's presented the way it is supposed to be and not the way you like it. If you like the idea, try this 15-day festival of Indian handicrafts, handlooms and folk traditions. Trust us, you wouldn't repent.
Road to heaven
Commonwealth Games may have been a total embarrassment but it has done some good too, at least to the approach of this mela that falls on the same road as Karni Singh Shooting Range near the historic Tughlakabad Fort. It's an absolute pleasure to drive on this road. If you've a beautiful partner to accompany you, opt for a bike. In a car she can't hold you tight, and whisper sweet nothings in your ears. The twists and turns amidst the reserved green area are so romantic. You don't have to worry about the parking since there's ample space. Try parking your vehicle in 1B parking lot which is near the gol chakkar. The moment you get out of your vehicle, the feel of a mela envelops you. Here's a piece of advice for our ladies. Don't start purchasing stuff from the roadside vendors because they have nothing new to offer. They're selling the same old Rajasthani kathputlis, wall hangings and flutes.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
A thanda entry
If I've to buy branded pair of footwear that costs Rs 2,000, I'll go to a mall. Why should I buy it at a crafts mela? It was disappointing to see outlets of branded products right next to the entrance. That too they're selling it at the same price as any premium shop would. But once you move a little further, you find stuff that you expect from a
traditional fair.
Pack you own food
That's one area where the fare terribly lacks imagination. There's no seating area. The food court hasn't even been covered. Didn't the organisers know that the sun is back to bake us? Secondly, the hoardings are misleading. Just because you appoint people wearing Rajasthani turbans doesn't mean that your food is truly Rajasthani. We tasted the famous Rajashtani dishes mirchi vada and aalu-pyaaz ki kachori, and it felt pathetic to realise that I've paid a bomb to eat something that just looks like the authentic preparation but tastes like a distant cousin. Plus, everything is steeply priced. Who would eat chole bhature for Rs 80 and utthapam for Rs 70? Disgusting is the word for the food court. Thankfully same is not the case with other sections.
A fine follow-up
There's a stunt biking zone, an amusement park with very few but exciting rides like giant wheel, ice candies, rangolis, stalls that sell everything from fabrics, furniture, art works, carpets and much more. There's a strong line up of handicrafts from Andhra Pradesh, which is also the theme state this year. There are silver filigree, Kalamkari painting, leather puppets, Jamdani saree, Cheriyal paintings, Lacquerware toys, Gold leaf paintings, Bidriware and cane and bamboo works. Don't miss the works of artisans from Bihar who've come up with enchanting Madhubani art works (good quality and reasonably priced). If you are not an art fanatic, buy a table lamp or ludo that flaunts Madhubani themes. Mat weaving, Masland mat, Sital pati and Shola craft from West Bengal are refreshingly good. Stalls from Delhi and Rajasthan disappoint big time. Dry flowers from Nagaland, Brass carvings from Uttar Pradesh, stone carvings from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are wow. The best thing is that majority of the 219 handicraft participants are from areas that've nurtured their respective arts.
Haath ki safai
Just like any other fair, the display of handloom works is worth noticing. Andhra Pradesh again leads the line up with Mini Gadwal sarees, dyes, Jamdhani saree and dress material with veg prints. Though there's a grand display of silk material from Bihar but are steeply priced. Kosa sarees (Chattisgarh), block prints (Gujarat) Chanderi (MP), Phulkari, Kutni Cotton dress (Tamil Nadu) and Butidar Cotton and Pahri Kutwork (UP) tempt too. Stalls from Himachal Pradesh, J&K and New Delhi have nothing enticing to offer.
Schedule of cultural performances
February 8:u00a0 Andhra Pradesh
February 9:u00a0u00a0Andhra Pradesh
February 10: Bhojpuri Dhamal -- Malini Awsthi and Party
February 11: MP and Chattisgarh Panwani, Badhai, Baredi, Raai
February 12: Folk Show of UP, Punjab-Braj, Cholia, Bhangra, Giddha
February 13: Andhra Pradesh
February 14: Andhra Pradesh
February 15: Andhra Pradesh
On till: February 15
Entry: Rs 50
Ring: 0172-20702955-57
Timings: 11 am to 9 pm
Cultural performances: 6 pm onwards
For other details visit: www.haryanatourism.gov.in
