Dates: 02-18 Feb

Venue: Surajkund Fair Grounds, Faridabad, Haryana

The nip is still in the air. And this is how we like our Surajkund season. The Surajkund Crafts Fair 2018 is on in full swing at Surajkund – Delhi / Haryana border. The Surajkund metro station at Badarpur has made the place way more accessible. No wonder, it is a much sought after event not only for craft lovers but for anyone willing to among colours.

We have covered this festival in the years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017  and here is our list of what you should look out for at the Surajkund Crafts Fair, 2018.

Crafts

We find a host of handicraft options for home consumption or gifts. Quaint lamps, dokra (ANY LINK) figurines, shell layered pen stands, masks converted into key hangers and much more are light on weight, handy to carry and easy on the pocket. What sets Surajkund Mela apart from other fairs is that it’s the artisans here who set stalls and directly sell their ware to customers. So, in addition to cheap prices, one gets to interact with the crafts people and know more about the craft.

Textiles

This place is a treasure trove for textile hunters. Amazing hand painted and hand dyed textiles are available at Surajkund Mela directly from the weavers. Kalamkari paintings and sarees, ajrakh shirts, khadi (LINK) bedspreads and Himachal shawls and half jackets are our hot draws.

Leather

For those of you, who think of Jimmy Choo as ideal in terms of leather, do try Surajkund. Leather craftsmen from Rajasthan, Punjab, Bengal and Maharashtra bring amazing subtle or bright footwear, bags etc. to this fair. The wallets we had got here have evoked a lot of interest among our friends.

Foreign stalls

A host of neighboring countries set up stalls here. So if you are on the lookout for Afghani carpets, Turkish kilims, Sri Lankan Ravan masks or Jamdani saris from Bangladesh, you should visit the foreign stalls area.

Theme state

Uttar Pradesh is the theme state this year. No wonder Moradabadi brassware, Khurja pottery, banarasis and other weaves from Banaras are ruling the roost. And so are litti chokha and chai.

Food

Talking about food, we get a lot of queries about what to eat at Surajkund Mela, There is dedicated food zone where in addition to the regular stalls selling North and South Indian food, various hospitality and catering institutes set up stalls. Additionally, there is a major stall that sells delicacies from the focus state which is Uttar Pradesh this year. At the other corner of the fair there is a restaurant that sells yum Rajasthani kachories and snacks, jalebis and khullad chai. This is a must try.

Selfies

The whole fair ground is decorated like an India dreamland and any place here is a selfie zone. We love the colourful Orissa appliqué lamps and umbrellas that are hung from trees all over the place.

Cultural performances

Various folk groups keep putting up candid shows at various places in the fair. Folk music is infectious and the visitors are welcome to shake a leg with such groups. Additionally, there is a huge amphitheatre at the middle of the fair ground where cultural performances from all parts of India are held throughout the day. This could be a great way to relax during bouts of shopping.

Pro-tip – Buy tickets online, saves spending time in long queues here.

Now that we have prepped you up – do visit the Surajkund Mela 2018 – the Fun-Do of the season.