Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: Every year the focus state of Surajkund Mela builds a replica of its iconic landmark at Mela grounds to commemorate its architecture, culture and history. In keeping with the topography of the place, most states have over the years chosen to build gates at different entry points of the ground.
These gates, and other permanent additions by states to the Mela grounds, enhance the richness and appeal of the entire experience of visiting Surajkund Mela.
The first gate was built by the Government of Rajasthan when it became the first focus state in 1989. Called the Shekhawati Gate, it has become the master motif of the Mela and stands 25- feet high with beautifully painted arches and murals, typical of the Shekhawati region.
Since then, the other gates to have been built are Vishnupur Gate by West Bengal, Kottayambalam Gate by Kerala, Danteshwari Devi Gate by Chhattisgarh, Mukteswara Gate by Odisha, Hoysala Gate by Karnataka, Charminar Gate by Andhra Pradesh, Bhimbetka Gate by Madhya Pradesh and Khanqah-i-Moulla Gate by Jammu & Kashmir, among other architectural landmarks.