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As
spring glides in, full of warmth and vibrancy leaving the cold and
grey winter behind, Suraj Kund dons itself in colorful traditional
crafts of India. Craftsmen from all over the country assemble at
Suraj Kund during the first fortnight of February this is an annual
celebration known as the Suraj Kund Crafts Mela. This mela
(fair) is a meeting ground for the talented artists, painters,
weavers, sculptors and craftsmen form all over India who execute and
exhibit their creations and the arts and crafts lovers of the world
who flock here to admire and the purchase these creations.
Suraj
Kund, situated 16 kilometres from Delhi, owes its name and perhaps
its very existence to a historic and ancient amphitheatre sun pool
dating back to the 10th century the remains of which can
still be seen here. Historians tell us that this area once fell
under the domain of the Tomar lcan. Raja Suraj Pal, one of the
chieftains of this clan of sun worshippers, had a sun pool built in
this area. It is believed that a temple also stood on its periphery.
It is after this sun pool that this complex has been named Suraj
Kund.
This
picturesque site surrounded by the Aravalli range is enlivened with
the arrival of master craftsmen from different parts of the country
in the month of February. As one enters the mela, ‘living’
Indian village greets us. The uneven, unpaved paths that lead to
innumerable thatched platforms are a delightful insight into the
exquisite and skillful paintings, textiles, Woodstock, ivory work,
pottery, terracottas, stonework, peppier mache, Iac work and cane and
grass work. There is an amazing variety and diversity in each craft.
As one
moves into this colorful world of Indian handicrafts many beautiful
and intricate paintings catch the eye. At one stall are Kalamkari,
which are done on cloth with a swab dipped in paint and given a fine
point. The hairline fineness of lines in each painting tell the
story of the deep devotion of the painter to this art form.
Mythological tales of religious figures and local deities are themes
depicted on these wall hangings.
A few
new themes will be introduced this year. The visitors will find a
pavilion of Shekhavati, a small region in Rajasthan, which has some
splendid havelis (mansions) rich in mural art and frescoes. A
theatre is being constructed with a capacity of 1300 where cultural
shows will be held every evening creating a rapport between the
artistes and the audience. Some of these craftsmen hail from
families of traditional craftsmen who have been practicing a
particular craft for generations, while there are others who have had
no formal traditional learning and have reached this peak of
perfection through hard work and devotion.
Tourist
cluster around the textiles, which are displayed by craftswomen,
attired in colorful dresses that they have created themselves. The
tie and dye and laharia (striped) designs on silk, georgette and
cotton scarves, veils and sarees flutter in the gentle breeze
attracting the attention of all. In this craft the design is
obtained by tying up garments in a set pattern before dyeing it.
Shawls, blouse pieces, dress materials, cushion covers and wall
hangings from Gujarat, textile block printing, chickankari which is a
breathtakingly fine needlework embroidery on crisp cloth and typical
Kashmiri patterns embroidered on wool and silk known as crewel work.
Bed sheets, cloth pieces, dress materials and sarees can be admired
and purchased at affordable prices. This year the piece de
resistance will be a fashion show of ethnic clothes designed and
produced by the famous French designer Pierre Cardin.
Brass
and metal crafts also form a prominent part of the mela.
Life-size temple idols, human forms, horses, carriages and animals of
metal and brass made with perfection and decorated with fine lines
will delight your eyes. Besides these sculptures in marble and
soapstone as well as marble and ivory inlay work, woodcarvings are
also available.
Some
craftsmen have perfected the art of making beautiful creations of
Sikki grass. Under their nimble fingers the harsh Sikki grass
acquires new and joyful forms like wall hangings, toys, baskets,
dolls and plats.
If you
needed a change then you can delight in the folk dances and music of
India. Men and women attired in gaily-patterned clothes perform folk
dances and sing folk songs from different parts of the country. The
atmosphere is filled with melodious music and will leave you
spell-bound. If you need a different kind of entertainment then the
nats (acrobats) will provide it. There are magic shows, puppet shows
and snake charmers.
The
potter’s wheel always holds a special enchantment for visitors
as the artisans mould entrancing pots and pans with their deft
fingers. One can see several varieties of pottery, which include
coiled pottery – a specialized art practiced in Manipur, in
which a lump of clay is placed over a fixed wooden base and the
artisan moves around it.
As you
move out you can also see the weaver at his loom weaving durries
(rugs); colorful terracotta and clay toys and peppier mache articles
from Kashmir along with many other pieces of art, which will leave a
long lasting impression in your mind. One feels as though one has
left an important chapter of history and tradition behind.
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