NEW DELHI: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is the Partner Nation at the Surajkund Mela this year. The SCO brings colours of more than 25 countries under one umbrella.
Over the years, as the popularity of the mela grew, so did its scale. The mela was lent a global appeal in 2009 with Egypt being the first focus nation for the 23rd edition. The mela was rechristened ‘Surajkund International crafts Mela’ when Thailand was introduced as the first partner nation in the 26th edition in 2012.
The prominence of the Surajkund Mela was scaling new heights, as more and more foreign countries were vying to participate in the mela to showcase their culture, crafts and cuisines. With participation of Egypt, came in a new wave of international artists, craftsmen and cultural fare. Thus, opening a new vista for foreign nations to present their art and culture and their number grew year by year.
The Indian audience was thus introduced to traditions of exotic lands and treated with finest crafts and cuisines. The international addition was well received by the visitors as the fair has now become a mix of both local and international talent on a single platform.
