Rich colors reflecting crafts of India marked the beginning of the 26th Surajkund Crafts Mela on Wednesday. Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar open the annual Surajkund Mela-2012 to the public.

"It is the beginning of the spring and a time to enjoy," said Kumar, who smilingly donned a traditional Assamese hat and posed for shutterbugs as she moved around the fair checking out the different stalls.

Kumar showed a keen interest in what Assam had to offer, being the partner state for 26th edition of the 15-day fair this year.

Assam the theme state of this year mela is known for rice Granary of India. Best known for monuments, handicrafts, handloom and cuisines.

Surajkund is the annual fair that showcases the finest handlooms, handicrafts, authentic fragrances & flavours of rich Indian cuisines.

Around more than 400 national and state awardee craftpersons from every corner of India wind their way to Surajkund. The craftpersons from SAARC nations are also participating in the Surajkund Crafts Mela.

A number of neighbouring countries would also be participating in this Mela.

Buyers and sellers meet to be held at Surajkund Design Galleries with assistance of the DC Handlooms and DC Handicrafts, said release.

Promoting the concept of 'mini-India', the fair showcases the rural lifestyle with huts acting as stalls and kachcha roads giving a village ambiance, apart from traditional dance performances.

Tourism Minister Subod Kant Sahay said the Surajkund crafts fair has come a long way. "This has developed into an international crafts bazaar and is attracting more and more tourists," he said and called upon the states to promote tourism.

"About 10 lakh people are expected to visit the Mela this year. The site of Surajkund is a historical place, where Raja Suraj Pal of Tomar dynasty had established Surajkund, whose shape is like rising sun, which is the symbol of progress," said Bhupinder Hooda, Chief Minister of Haryana.