Delhi is happening! This week, amid a host of other events, there is the 22nd Surajkund Crafts Mela, a vibrant fair showcasing the art and culture of this country. With lively recitals by traditional dancers and the echoing sounds of drum beats and folk melody, the mela began on February 1, and is to go on for 15 days.

West Bengal is the theme state this year, and the fair was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Around 350 national and state award-winning craftsmen from various states, SAARC countries and Brazil are taking part. Sixty-one artisans represent West Bengal in this fair, showing up the affluent traditional art and crafts of the state.

A true display of our diverse culture, the fair spreads across 25 acres of land and displays exclusive handlooms and handicrafts from across the country and overseas in an archetypal rural setting. There are open-walled huts in separate pavilions beneath thatched roofs. Every platform has a different series of handicrafts on display. The experience is a colorful one, and draws tourists from across the globe.

A single art and craft piece from each state is chosen for an award, and these are then put together on a separate stand for visitors to buy. This creates healthy competition among the craftsmen, and also provides visitors with the best choice.

The Surajkund Crafts Mela started in 1981 by Haryana Tourism. It generally takes place in mid-February and is located at the Surajkund village in Haryana, 3kms from Tughlaqabad, just beyond the Delhi-Haryana border. Surajkund is well known for its cultural richness. Folk songs and dances are an integral part of this place, which can be experienced in this fair. The Surajkund Crafts Mela is said to mark the end of the winter season in this region.

This is an excellent occasion for Delhites to enrich themselves about the branched out culture of India and its arts and crafts, as well as enjoy a pulsating, fun-filled atmosphere in this beautiful season. Surajkund is also an exquisite picnic spot with a few tourist destinations nearby, so perhaps nothing less than a weekend break could do actual justice to such an event and such a place.