Surajkund, Haryana : The organisers of Surajkund Mela in Haryana have selected Maharashtra as the theme state for this year. The 15-day mela, which kicked off lately in Faridabad, showcases the essence of one Indian state every year. With kandils (lanterns), rangolis and Warli art paintngs adorning the entire ambience, the mela will present the true flavour of Maharashtra.

"The mela is in its 20th year and the response we are getting is overwhelming. The organisers chose Maharashtra this year and we will showcase our culture, crats and food in the mela. Performers from different parts of the state are presenting their best song and dance forms," said Alka Vanage, senior manager, Festivals and Events, MTDC.

Handicrafts, handlooms, culture, cuisine, music and melody of Maharashtra will be in the spotlight. Natyashala - an open-air theatre - will see vibrant folk performances like Lavni, Waghya Murli, Gondhal, Povadas and traditional folk instrument concerts. Also, an array of street performances will be presented everyday like Lezhim - Maharashtrian women wearing traditional nine-yard sarees will dance to the pulsating beats of the dholak, dindi - a devotional folk dance, Vasudev - a dance form presenting anecdotes from Lod Krishna's life and Mallakhamb - a traditional for of gymnastics.

The bazaar will give the audience a chance to shop for famous Maharashtrian handicrafts. For foodies, there is traditional delicacies like shrikhand, thalipeeth, puranpoli, sabudana vada, batata vada, zunka bhakar on offer.