Theme State-
Madhya Pradesh 
The Heart of Incredible India

Madhya Pradesh, popularly known as the Heart of Incredible India, is a many splendoured land and has been chosen as the theme state for the second time for the Surajkund Crafts Mela. Dotted with world heritage sites such as Khajuraho, Sanchi and Bhimbetka and other archaeological treasures like Gwalior, Orchha and Mandu, it is also the land of the Tigers. The National Parks of Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, Pench and many other are home to an amazing variety of wildlife. The leisure destinations like Bhopal, Panchmarhi, Shivpuri add to its serene beauty. The State’s vast plateau, spectacular Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges, lush valleys and life-giving rivers like the Narmada and Sone make it an authentic delight.

Rich & Vibrant Art & Craft
A deftly-woven cotton or a silk-blended saree, block- printed fabric, a folk- painting or a terracotta piece, Madhya Pradesh offers a fascinating range of handicrafts which are an integral part of its living tradition. Madhya Pradesh is famous for its delicate weaves in Chandheri and Maheshwari saree Captivating handicrafts radiate an aura, exhibit hereditary skills, whisper painstaking craftsmanship and evoke an urgent desire to learn more about the land and its colourful people. Folk Paintings, bamboo, cane or jute, woodcraft, stonecraft, ironcraft, metalcraft, terra-cotta, papier mache, zari work (gold thread embroidery), ornaments, dolls….. each hand-crafted product of Madhya Pradesh is charming enough to sweep you off your feet.

Delicious  Cuisines
The cuisine in Madhya Pradesh has a small tinge of Rajasthani and Gujarati cuisines. They are extremely rich, spicy and creamy dishes. Delicious Cuisines are reputed to be the hottest and varied based upon wheat, milk, meat and fish. Here you find the dishes that are hard to find outside the state. Bhutte ki kheer, Chakki ki shaak, Cashew barfi, Moong dal halwa, Sabudana khichdi, Kusli, Poha, Jalebi and Shikanji are other perennial favourite.  An interesting dish is the bafla (wheat cakes) dunked in rich ghee which is eaten with daal (a pungent lentil broth).

Famous Fairs & Festivals
Madhya Pradesh is the locale of fairs and festivals which is also its life mantra. The rich folk and tribal traditions of Madhya Pradesh are manifested in the joyful celebrations, fairs and festivals of its colourful people. The State’s cultural calendar is replete with numerous events held throughout the year. They include the world- famous Khajuraho Dance Festival, Lokrang Folk Festival in Bhopal and the unique Bhagoriya Festival in Jhabua.