At the 36th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2023

The Surajkund Crafts Fair is like an ark that carries within it the best of everything, in this case, examples of art, culture, and folklore. This a distinct example of a coming together of the whole world exemplifying how the world is indeed one whole global village!

An example of an art exhibit at the Crafts Fair

What I will remember most about the 36th Surajkund Crafts fair is the Cultural Extravaganza that brought together people from almost all the countries of Africa, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and of course, from home, Tripura, Assam,  and Nagaland. This confluence of cultures from all over the world also found its expression in the various crafts items that were displayed for sale in the numerous stalls at the Fair.

Naga dancers from Nagaland

The Surajkund Crafts fair was once again an amazing experience. When I visited the crafts fair this year I was able to enjoy the cultural performances from  Kirgizstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and many countries from the African continent and the homebound performances were from Nagaland, Tripura and Assam. The pan-African performance was mind-blowing and I was able to connect to it as I could spot representatives from Ethiopia-the country of my birth, and Eritrea, also a country that was once part of Ethiopia. I felt nostalgic looking at both the Ethiopian and Eritrean contingent for many were the days that we spent in Asmara and Massawa and of course Araba Minch and Addis Ababa.

Team from Eritrea

Team from Ethiopia

Mixed team Nigeria

Team from Russia

Artist from Eritrea

Team from Kyrgyzstan

Team from Uzbekistan

Team from Kyrgyzstan

A Folk Dancer from Uzbekistan

As if this was not enough, looking at the Naga dancers was like going back in time. The men wear tusks from wild boar and the longer the tusks the greater the accomplishment of the warrior. The tusks are a symbol of bravery and courage.

Bihu Dancers from Assam

Hojahiri Dancers from Tripura

Of course, the crafts fair was also about the exhibition and sale of handicraft items from participating countries and states from India. I was able to buy Onyx paper weights from Afghanistan, and a mask from Ghana, Some of the most sought-after items include lanterns from Turkey, carpets from Afghanistan, Dolls from Russia, household decorations, and the list can go on! The lanterns from Turkey that are displayed almost every year are simply amazing to look at.