Commemorative Structures
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- Commemorative Structures
The year was 1987. The Mela ambience was simple. The architect who set the pattern of the Mela grounds was Shri Surendra Patel of Sharad Gandharva from Gujarat. The Mela grounds were intrinsically rural in appeal and so, the gate was designed as a plain mud structure. A hidden stairway led to the shehnai platform. The thatched roof tops and the presence of the shady trees set the stage for a delightful rural experience. During these two years, the Surajkund Mela played up no particular theme.
Theme State : Rajasthan
Commemorative Structure : Shekhawati Gate
The tradition of encapsulating the Theme State into the foreground began from this year onwards. Since then, a commemorative structure came to be designed every year. Colourful Shekhawati gate of Rajasthan was chosen as the master motif of the Mela. A haveli and a gate were built. Each structure was decorated with arched niches and brilliantly coloured wall murals, typical of the colourful of Shekhawati region. Even today, the haveli and the gate are a fascinating signature of Rajasthan. The gate stands 25-feet high and has been decorated by folk painters.
Theme State : West Bengal
Commemorative Structure : Vishnupur Gate
The Vishnupur gate reflects ancient structural traditions of West Bengal. Built with delicate terracotta patterns, the gate reflects architectural traditions that are over 1000 years old. Vishnupur was once the administrative seat of the Malla dynasty of Bengal. Though the Mallas were a warrior clan, they were also patrons of art and culture. Delicate relief patterns were used to embellish temples of which the existing Vishnupur temple is one. The famous Bankura house belongs to this genre. The Vishnupur Mela gate has a convex roof and elaborate terracotta decorations typical of the traditional Vishnupur temple structure.
