Surajkund Lake is situated in the Faridabad district of the North Indian state of Haryana. It can be reached by a short drive of about 20 kilometers from the heart of Delhi. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a natural lake but a man-made reservoir. The name in Hindi means Lake of the Sun. Tomar King Surajpal built it in the 10th century AD. Surajkund is the place where the Tomar settled down before building Lal Kot, the second city of Delhi.
Surajkund got its name after a famous Sun temple, which is said to have stood here once. Some historians also claim that it was named after King Surajpal himself. The tank is on a semi-circular pattern and has steps that lead to the water. It is not a dead reservoir and the rains still keep it pretty full of water. But apart from the monsoon season, the place remains dry. The tank saw some major repairs in the 1920s during the British times. As of today, Surajkund is the site of a major crafts festival held annually in February and attended by people from all over the world.
Surajkund owes its name and perhaps its very existence to an 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 clan. 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 Surajkund.
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, one is greeted by a 'living' Indian village. The uneven, unpaved paths lead to innumerable thatched platforms that provide glimpses of the exquisite and skilful paintings, textiles, wood stock, ivory work, pottery, terracotta, stonework, papier-mâché, lac 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 you will find Kalamkari, which is done on cloth with a swab dipped in paint and given a fine point. The hairline fineness of lines in each painting tells 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.
Tourist cluster around the textiles, which are displayed by craftswomen, attired in colourful dresses that they have created themselves. The tie and dye and laharia (striped) designs on silk, georgette and cotton scarves, veils and saris 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, chikankari, a breathtakingly fine needlework embroidery on crisp cloth, and typical Kashmiri patterns embroidered on wool and silk known as crewel work are put on display here. Bed sheets, cloth pieces, dress materials and saris can be admired and purchased at affordable prices.
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 need 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 spellbound. There are also magic shows, puppet shows and snake charmers to entertain you further.
Beneath thatched roof platforms, master crafts persons carefully display the finest of handlooms and handicrafts from all over the country. The event is so colorful and rich in experience, that many a tourist has returned 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 iridescent silks and the jingle of toys and trinkets. The Surajkund Crafts Mela is 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.
Reaching Surajkund :
Surajkund lies in the Faridabad district on the Delhi - Agra national highway. Surajkund is 8 kms from South Delhi. Special transport link the Mela ground to major bus stops in Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad towns. |
