Sri Lankan creativity is showcased at Suraj Kund 2018

The vivid art & craft, music and dance, colourful ambiance, and ethnic cuisines were on display at the annual Suraj Kund which was inaugurated on 02 February. The International Mela will be held showcasing different cultural ethos of the rich regional and international crafts and traditions.  Two teams from the Sri Lanka National Craft Council and the National Arts and Craft Foundation are participating to showcase their exquisite handicrafts over three weekends for the public.

The annual Suraj Kund displays handicrafts skills merging all participating countries across the board making this the largest handicraft mela in the world.  This year, the State of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh is the theme state, while Kyrgyzstan is the partner nation. 

This year, the Sri Lankan pavilion included the display of palmyra and silver handicrafts, batiks, coconut shell, silver and semi precious jewellery, traditional masks, wooden children’s toys and batik wall hangings. Eleven participants hailed from all parts of the country, including Batticaloa and Jaffna, marketing a kaleidoscope of creativity from across the nation.  

Annually, millions of visitors throng the Mela, which is organised by the Suraj Kund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism, in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs.