One more year has gone by, one more Surajkund Fair is in progress right now.
We actually landed up early today (9:30 AM), and left just after 12:30 PM; perhaps missed out on some of the artisans and their performances. The parking situation seems to have improved, and there is more space available. The rate remains at Rs.50 per car.
Assam is the Theme State this year. Surprisingly, we did not find certain typically Assamese handicraft products that we went looking for. More about that later.
All SAARC Countries are also participating together for the first time, though their presence seemed to be rudimentary. It had been proposed that whichever head of a foreign country is invited as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, will be considered to be the partner nation for the Surajkund Mela. Accordingly, this year Thailand has been introduced as the partner country. And what have we got here from Thailand? Well, melamine crockery (excellent quality though)!!! I was expecting Thai silk, but does one categorize melamine crockery as handicrafts?
Do they have pav bhaji in Thailand?
A few interesting plants were also available to view - probably from Thailand.
Some videos of the musicians and dancers performing there.
It would not be fair if a Team-BHP report on the Surajkund Fair did not contain automotive material related to the place. Therefore, here are the observations.
Toyota had a stand there, displaying the Etios in rather shabby manner.
If those were a little too expensive for your taste, here's a very affordable lineup of cars and bikes!
And if you wanted cars that are really down to earth, here are a couple!
There was this armoured truck standing by in front of the main entrance.
But a closer inspection did not show up any markings of the armed / paramilitary / police forces - instead, there was this address of a Limited Co. that had me completely flummoxed. Does one get to rent out armoured cars for enhancing security at a particular place / event?
Visited yesterday. Road near Devli village is messy. It take around good 30 minutes to cross. Better be avoided, alternatively route via GK-II - Tara-apartments to Surajkund will be better option. I felt the participation is better that last year.