Fun and frolic at Surajkund Crafts Mela

This year’s Surajkund International Crafts Mela is becoming more and more interesting as it has a lot on offer for art lovers, foodies, tourists as a whole. 

The partner country Japan is participating in the 30th Surajkund International Crafts Mela with much enthusiasm. Participating in the Mela for the first time, Japan’s renowned artists have come here to showcase their work. Illustrator Hashimoto from Japan is a self-trained graphic designer, whose works are influenced by Mithali painting especially of late Ganga Devi’s work. Japanese drummers and Taiko players are a centre of attraction as the visitors stop by to watch them perform in the international area. They are based in Inagi Tokyo and practice their art religiously and play Taiko at festivals. 

A Japanese gaint kite is also displayed at their stall that has a Japanese folk tale hero ‘Momotarou’ painted on it. Interestingly, ‘Momotarou’, a monkey appears in a supporting role such as Hanuman in Ramayana. India and Japan have a lot in common to share and Surajkund International Crafts Mela has brought this harmonious melange to the fore. A mehndi competition was also organised at Natyashala in which over 120 students participated with enthusiasm. Helicopter rides at the ongoing Surajkund International Crafts Mela are a big fad this time. 

Peeyush Mathur, Deputy General Manager, Heritage Aviation, said: “We are following all security norms and checks, also basic fire-fighting equipment is stationed at the helipad to counter any unforeseen eventuality.”