country. The event is so colorful and rich in experience that you will return to visit it again and again. The prices are relatively low compared to emporia, and some of the stuff can be amazing. Shops at the Mela bustle with the brilliance of mirror encasing embroidery, delicate lace work, folk motifs on terracotta forms, metal and cane-ware, the tinkle of bangles, shimmer of sparkling silks and the clinking of toys and trinkets. The Surajkund Crafts Mela is much more than a celebration of crafts. At the fan shaped open-air-theatre name Natyashala rich folk dances and musical evenings are held throughout the mela fortnight.

Exclusive artifacts in bronze, copper, brass, wood, and stone captivate ones heart. There is Chikri woodcraft of Kashmir and some very fine cane work from West Bengal and the north-eastern states. Also, there's the delicate sholapith and shital patti from Assam and West Bengal. Each and every piece is carefully designed and deftly crafted which attract crowds in large numbers. Stunning collection of colourful handlooms, fabulous muslins, silk and woolens are brought directly by the weavers in varied forms and designs.

A large number of weavers will be seen demonstrating the art of creating heavy Kanchipuri silks, Venkargiri cottons, intricate zari and brocade from Banaras, Pochampallis, Gadhwals and Orissa Ikkats, and the famous Temple saris from the South. Besides saris, there is also an exquisite range of dress materials that fire the minds of imaginative designers.

Terracotta traditions of pottery, votive figures, metal craft and brass inlay works portray India's rich cultural heritage. Craftsmen are seen decorating bowls, boxes, bangles, surahis in magnificent colours and designs. Stone craftsmen are seen molding stone into plaques, bowls, platters and tabletops with amazing ease. Intricate mirror works from Kutch, papier-mâché and crewel work from Kashmir, carved and painted wood from Orissa, Phad paintings from Rajasthan, statues and figurines from Bastar, Pattichitra paintings from Bengal, shell craft, bamboo and cane craft items are all brought under one roof, attracting many lovers of art.

Besides the display of Indian crafts, Surajkund Mela offers much more to the visitors. While the Mela is in full swing, an artistic spectacle reveals itself at the Natyashala, a cultural platform. The fan shaped open air theatre entertains the audience with colours of both the classical genre and fascinating rural customs of music and dance. The crowd can enjoy the Dandia Raas, the Rabari Garba and other shows by folk singers from the interiors of Gujarat on the various open-air stages at Surajkund. The heady rhythms of percussion instruments and the ballads of singing minstrels can be enjoyed at Natyashala. Joy rides for children, puppet shows, bioscope viewing, breathtaking stunts by the banjaras, plus the village hurly burly add to the entire rural galore. The magic of each craft is hidden in the deft fingers of the craftsmen. Their enthusiasm in craft, their joy of creation, their skill in maintaining the ancient rhythms of rural existence is just marvelous.

Above all, for food lovers, the crafts mela has a lot to offer. Various fast food joints spread all over the area offer a vast variety of food from different regions. From cuisines from Punjab and south India and Gujarat to Chinese food, snacks and drinks, all are available at reasonable rates.