Surajkund Mela 2022: Experience the crafts from around the world

Surajkund Mela is known for its diverse culture and handicrafts from across India. However, it also abounds in culture from across the Indian ocean.

If you visit Surajkund, do not forget to have a look at the international corner which includes handicrafts from different countries participating and showcasing their heritage and culture through their handicrafts.  Uzbekistan is this year's global partner nation for the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2022.

The Culture of Uzbekistan is vibrant, and unique-it was formed over thousands of years, incorporating the traditions and customs of the peoples from different points of time who came to this land. Let's have a look at different countries participating in Surajkund Mela-

Thailand

The Thailand store at Surajkund has a pretty collection of cute clips, bags, rubber bands, etc. You can find earrings, necklaces and thai silk items. Managing the store is Anong from Thailand. Anong shares that she has put her exhibitions in events throughout the world. Her products are unique and handmade.

"We all love India, it's my 6th year coming to Surajkund Mela, people in India love to shop from our stall. They find it attractive and cute," she says.

Also read | Surjkund Mela 2022: Covid and March heat dash hopes of local artists

Talking about her experience this year, she says, "We are five people who manage the store. But if we compare our sales from the last exhibition, the market seems affected. I don't know whether it's the hot weather or people are not interested."

Ghana

Ghana is located in the coastal area of western Africa. At Surajkund, the stall displays authentic beadwork and traditional clothing. Michael, the stall owner who is also a performer in Ghana, manages the booth. Here at the stall, you could see beautiful beadwork, some traditional African clothes, and other accessories. "My overall sales have been good, people love the products, as I believe Indians are friendly and polite," says Michael.

Uzbekistan

Saidi is an interior designer; it's her first time in Surajkund Mela. She and her partner single handily handle the entire store. This year, Uzbekistan is also an international partner of Surajkund Mela. You can find beautiful home decor items at her stall to relish your houses with Uzbekistan interiors and Handicrafts. Other than these, they have traditional dolls, dresses, stoles that are unique and handmade.

"I love to visit India; it's not my first time travelling here, but here at Surajkund, it's my first year; my sales are excellent, I am enjoying my time here, and people are nice to me, and they often click pictures with me", says, Saidi.

She doesn't want to leave India soon, so once the mela is over, Saidi will be staying in India for a while and exploring the country.

Iran

Iranian souvenirs are artisanal handicrafts unique to each city and made with lots of love. Here at the Iranian stall, you can find the uniqueness of their work in the items they are selling. The booth is managed by Zahra, Fereshte, Ahmadreza and Majid from Iran.

They have a beautiful variety of shawls and stoles that are pure hand weaved and have needlework; their handwork is quite famous in Iran. You can also spot pure silver work items here. The jewellery and silver fancy items are worth the visit. Every silver jewellery here is handmade. They guarantee you that the silver they have is absolutely authentic.

"The sales this year are a little disappointing, but we love India. Many places are worth visiting and the people are friendly." says, Zahra.

Apart from handicrafts, one may also see ethnic dance performances from countries like Uganda and Zimbabwe.