Surajkund Craft Mela

Shopping at the mela

Just one of the many decorations

Last weekend I went about an hour away to Haryana to experience the Surajkund Craft Mela. The mela, which claims to be the largest in the world, is only open for two weeks. During that time it draws in nearly a million visitors. You might think that would mean that there are so many people you can't really shop or appreciate the work on offer, but if you arrive early, and head further off the main thoroughfare you can actually take the time to wander and admire the crafts for sale. What surprised me was that it is actually more than just a craft sale. Around every new section there were stages set up with a variety of performances going on - a drum circle one place, a sample of dancing at another...it is a celebration of the variety of culture in India. I was equally surprised by the large displays set up ranging from replica gates to carvings, to flower covered structures to self proclaimed "selfie spots" the couple of hours we spent there was about much more than shopping.

Music box player