Northeast Commemorative Gate l atArchitecture

Architecture, Public Buildings

The Northeast Commemorative Gate stands proudly as a tribute to the vibrant cultural heritage of the eight northeastern states of India. This remarkable structure takes center stage at the Surajkund Craft Fair 2023, an annual extravaganza in Faridabad that champions Indian craftsmanship and provides a platform for skilled artisans to showcase their talents. Positioned near the historic Surajkund Lake, an engineering marvel commissioned by King Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty in the 10th century, the gate commemorates the region. It serves as a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation.

Although the Surajkund Lake no longer plays a valuable role, it has become synonymous with the Surajkund Craft Mela. This three-week-long event lures more than a million visitors from across the globe. This year, the spotlight is on the Northeast Commemorative Gate, an architectural masterpiece that mirrors the essence of the eight states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim – that form the North Eastern Region (NER).

Northeast Commemorative Gate’s Design Concept

Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of indigenous artistry and crafts in the NER, the gate’s design is a nod to the region’s affinity for bamboo construction. Crafted by adept artisans hailing from the heart of the NER, the gate presents a strikingly modern interpretation of tradition. The design ingeniously integrates a vaulted void formed by a cube, aligning seamlessly with the cardinal directions. The bamboo lattice cube intersects with the vault at a dynamic angle, harmonizing with the existing road layout.

A remarkable fusion of old and new, the gate’s construction melds seamlessly with the 12 concrete columns that were already on-site. Eight freestanding columns narrate each state’s history through intricate illustrations, while the remaining four columns become integral to the bamboo framework. The craftsmanship of the bamboo joinery was meticulously developed in collaboration with skilled artisans, and many design decisions were fine-tuned during construction, underscoring the emphasis on local partnership and expertise.

As the Surajkund Craft Fair draws to a close after three weeks of creative vitality, the Northeast Commemorative Gate will continue to stand tall, transitioning into a permanent fixture within the public space. A lasting legacy of cultural pride, the Northeast Commemorative Gate invites residents and pedestrians to revel in its splendor, encapsulating the spirit of the NER and embodying the unity of art, tradition, and local craftsmanship.