Surajkund is an ancient reservoir of the 10th century. Surajkund (literal meaning is 'Lake of the Sun') is an artificial Kund (‘Kund’ means “lake” or reservoir) built in the backdrop of the Aravalli hills with an amphitheatre shaped embankment constructed in semicircular form. It is said to have been built by the Tomar king Suraj Pal of Tomar dynasty in the 10th century. Tomar was a sun worshipper and he had therefore built a Sun temple on its western bank.
In the backdrop of the lake, during the spring season, every year from February 1–15, a colorful traditional craft festival of India is held in the precincts of Surajkund. This fair was first started in 1987. Traditional craftsman (artists, painters, weavers and sculptors) from all parts of the country participate in this annual celebration named as the “Surajkund Crafts Mela” or "Surajkund Designer’s Village”. Designer items created by 50 best designers and craftsmen in wood, metal, bamboo, iron, glass, textiles and stone can be seen here. This Mela (fair) is visited by lovers of arts and crafts from all over the world. The fair is held with a different theme every year on Indian culture and crafts.
The theme, specific to a state of India, is depicted at the entrance to the Mela grounds and provides an ambience of that particular state with characteristic colors, materials, architecture, furniture and decorations. The crafts on display in the 400 stalls is of particular crafts of that state. The Mela also includes a food festival covering some of the popular cuisines from different parts of the country. Entertainment in the form of famous rhythms and dance of folk theatre are also held here during the festival.
(taken from Wikipedia)
(The below photos were taken on the way to the mela. Loved the bicycle parade AND can you see that woman slinging that hammer? Impressive work!)
I will never tire of shooting vegetable stands in India.
These women made their way towards us, in a S shaped weaving pattern. It was amazing to watch them, with their arms interlocked, smiling demurely at each other all the while.
A friend posted on Facebook in response to the above photo : This picture is gorgeous. Love the colors, bracelets, smoothness and femininity that it reveals. Beautiful!
My response : And to me, it also represents friendship ... it was really cool to watch these women ... snake along the sidewalk with uniformity, rhythm, sync, trust and ease. Just beautiful.
One of my favorite stalls. FABRIC!! Pam and I picked out fabric for costumes for an upcoming shindig. Fun stuff.
While none of the above photos needed any commentary, I now want to share with you the "celebrity phenomenon" that one can only describe via photos. I am not blonde. I am not fair skinned and I do not have blue eyes. Therefore, I have NO personal experience with the celebrity phenomenon that I've heard others talk about.
BUT, I did go to Surajkund with Britt ... who IS blonde, blue eyed and fair skinned. The below photos describe ...
Notice this guy didn't ask ... he's just taking pictures anyway.
And what's good for the guy in the black shirt ....
Is also good for the guy in the beige sweater.
Me shooting THEM ...
and Britt shooting the masses ... who had all snapped photos of her.
Wait ... isn't that the same guy in the beige sweater? Again?
Check out the lime shirt. Awesomeness.
Anyway ... Britt is a good sport (especially since all of these photos were taken in a span of about 10 minutes!).
I was taken with this little sweetheart. These two were selling Dhokra and I just love his little smile. He was also very intent to count all of the money we gave in exchange for our purchases, blessing each pile of rupees and then quietly saying "Namaste."
This little guy's drumsticks were just a-flying. Impressive, loud and mesmerizing!
Husb doesn't know it yet, but these are on my wish list before we leave India!
Thanks girls for a great morning out!
