A fearless fair-y tale

Sensual Khajuraho meets ethereal Egypt at the Surajkund Crafts Mela this year; security and ticket prices upped

Forget the filmi fantasy of losing your treasured twin; the security at this year's edition of the Surajkund Crafts Mela is twice as strong as it ever was. All you can lose is yourself, because it isn't just the regular dose of tribal tamasha and heaps of handicrafts that lie in waiting, but fascinating Kamasutra and Cleopatra connections that make it a must visit on any idle afternoon.u00a0u00a0

Centre of attraction

Madhya Pradesh, with its archaeological favourites like Khajuraho and Sanchi, has been chosen as the main theme. The great North Indian cultural carnival takes cue from Bhimbetka, a world heritage site in the Stone Age styled state, when it comes to structure. Apart from the 'rocking' architecture, you can expect 70 expert artisans from the region who have put on view folk paintings, Batik and leather art, laquarware, Thewa and the traditional favourites Chanderi and Maheshwari saris.u00a0

Phulkari from Punjab, cottons from Bengal, Kalamkari and Madhubani, sea-shell ornaments, brassware and pearl-work by 400 artists from around the nation make up some of the other stuff up for grabs. In the mood for events, more than knick-knacks? Pottery workshops, nukkad naataks, fashion shows and dance-music recitals are what you can enjoy.

Sphinx linksu00a0

Apart from the usual SAARC participants Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal u2014 Egypt comes calling as the partner country this time, and brings along Tanoura and belly dancers and a famous folk troupe from the area u2014 Ismalia. Apart from these, there are Pharaos' chairs, crowns, mini pyramids, other crafts and tongue-tickling food from the Land of Pyramids to talk home about. Afghanistan and Thailand are among other featured countries.

On guard

Over 78 CCTVs, 1,000 police officials including 100 women and plainclothesmen, bullet-proof security posts and vans, dog squads, telescopic surveillance and hi-tech weapons are braced to face the worst case scenario. In the words of Minister for Tourism Kiran Choudhary, "You have nothing to fear." For the first time, visitors will also be offered free rides from the parking lot to the main gate in specially designed ferries. But all this comes at a price. The ticket fee has been upped to Rs 50 per head, while it was a paltry Rs 5 till only a few years back.

23rd Surajkund Crafts Mela
At: Surajkund Grounds, Faridabad
When: On till February 15
Timings: 9.30 am - 5.30 pm

The Surajkund story
Surajkund meaning the pond of the Sun God owes its name to an ancient amphitheatre-sun pool, dating back to the 10th century. The town, that stands 8 kilometres from Delhi in district Faridabad, was built by king Surajpal, a follower of the Sun God. Since its beginning in 1981, the Surajkund Crafts Mela takes place on the first fortnight of February every year. With regular participation from SAARC and other countries, it has now earned global recognition.