Surajkund Mela takes off
Mid-Day Mumbai, India
By: M K Tayal
Amid kikar trees, Madhukar Shankar Satpute is selling Kolhapuri chappals in an obscure place in Haryana. He, like all other craftsmen from Maharashtra have a reason to smile as they find a special place in Surajkund Handicraft Mela, which of late has become a landmark festival in India.
With Maharashtra as the theme state, Surajkund is coloured with rangolis and kandeels, presenting the true flavour of the state. For the first time, the mela has craftsmen from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and even Afghanistan rubbing shoulders with 350-odd artisans and weavers.
Maharashtra has been given a special place. Around 250 artists and artisans from Maharashtra alone are in Surajkund displaying their creativity from Paithani saris to Warli paintings to bhelpuri. Most visitors are loving even beautiful Marathi girls dancing lavani and koli dances that were used to boost morale of tired Maratha warriors.
Think about not trying the pav-bhaji. Surajkund has a much-appreciated Maharashtrian flavour in puran poli, mande and bhat. Started 20 years ago, Surajkund mela has become a must-see, an annual destination for people in Delhi.
The idea is to integrate India and bring the culture of various states on a platform where people get a feel of distant lands. In fact its popularity prompted minister for women and child welfare minister Renuka Choudhary to request organisers to have few stalls from each state from next year onwards.
“It’s a great concept. Maharashtra has got an opportunity after 20 years to showcase the state’s art and culture. And it has become an instant hit,†said senior scribe Sunil Chawke in New Delhi.
The state has erected a replica of Trimurti-from Elephanta Caves at the entrance. “Jai Maharashtra and jai Haryana,†said chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh while inaugurating the festival.
