• To organise, manage and run the Surajkund International Craft Mela at Surajkund Faridabad with a view to promote handicrafts, handlooms with the aid of craftsmen invited from all over the country.
• To identify languishing and lesser known crafts and to introduce them to patrons.
• To display crafts and loom techniques by organising demonstration sections in the Mela grounds.
• To undertake the promotion of export of handlooms and handicrafts.
• To set up an environment in which rural crafts traditions could be displayed and to project the traditional rural ambience of a typical village near Delhi for travellers who may not have the time or means to visit an Indian village.

The Mela was conceived primarily to promote the pool of skilled artisans, who used indigenous technology, but were suffering due to the cheaper machine-made imitations. This is an earnest effort by Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism to provide a platform for craftspersons and weavers to directly market their wares by eliminating the middlemen.

To preserve the languishing arts & crafts of India, Surajkund Crafts Mela was hosted for the first time in 1987. The Mela ground is spread over 40 acres and houses about 1010 work huts that host craftspersons and weavers.

Surajkund International Crafts Mela offers its visitors a lifetime experience as it unfolds a wonderful range of textiles, paintings, wood stock, ivory work, pottery, terracotta, stonework, lac querware, cane and grass products.

As the popularity grew so did the scale of the Surajkund Mela. The Mela was lent a global appeal in 2009 with Egypt being the first focus nation for the 23^rd edition of the Mela. The Mela was rechristened ‘Surajkund International crafts Mela’ when Thailand was introduced as the first partner nation in the 26^th edition in 2012.

The prominence of the Surajkund Mela was scaling new heights, as more and more foreign countries were vying to participate in the Mela to showcase their culture, crafts and cuisines. With participation of Egypt, came in a new wave of international artists, craftsmen and cultural fare. Thus, Opening a new vista for foreign nations to present their art and culture and their number grew by the year.

Indian audience was thus, introduced to traditions of exotic lands and treated with finest crafts and cuisines. The international addition was well received by the visitors, as the fair now became a diverse mix of both local and international talent on a single platform.  Many countries like south East Asia, African nations, countries of central Asia to New Zealand have been part of this grand venture.

The Partner Nation brings their best artisans from the field of handlooms & handicrafts. From woven carpets, delightful earthenware, vivid paintings to intricate fabrics, each nation has something equally captivating to offer. Apart from the traditional crafts a number of folk artistes for these nations participate with full fervor. The enchantment of the Mela is heightened with with their folk songs and dances depicting tales from across the seas. To add to the already simmering flavours master chefs from various participating countries present a medley of exquisite traditional cuisines to pamper the taste buds of food enthusiasts.

Participating Partner Country/Nation(s) in Surajkund Mela over the years

The concept of seeking participation of interested nations as the Participating Country (s) started during the year 2009 and usually more than one country participate in it. The details of the participating Nations are as under:-

In 1989, the concept of Theme State was introduced for the first time and it has become a major high point of the Mela ever since. The concept of Theme State was conceptualized broadly with a view to promote art, craft and cuisine of every state of India with special focus being on one particular State every year. The aim is to showcase the finest folk traditions of a particular State and thereby alleviating the living standard of its artisans & folk artistes.

Artists, weavers and craftspersons from the theme state are given Work huts to exhibit the best of their crafts. The Theme State brings a right mix of handicraft artisans and craftspersons from the domain of handlooms. Over 300 artistes and cultural performers from the theme state present enthralling recitals/performances representing the distinctive traditions of the state during the entire event.

Interestingly, the Theme State gets the opportunity to decorate its allotted area in its own ethnic style. This space definitely stands out as it wears a unique ambience depicting the culture & ethos of the Theme State. The Theme State also creates a semi-permanent structure known as ‘Apna Ghar’ meaning ‘our home’ where a traditional family of the State resides for the entire fortnight of the Mela. The visitors come face-to-face with the lifestyle, social mores and customs of the people of that particular state.

To make the experience more authentic the Theme State also puts up a Food Stall at the Food Court where its ethnic cuisines are served. The popular cuisines from different areas of the Theme State are prepared to be relished by the visitors.

Every year, each theme state constructs a replica of one of the popular monuments of its state to be displayed as a Commemorative Structure in the Mela Grounds. The Commemorative structure forms an integral part of the ambience of the fair. These structures are positioned at the entrance for a majestic view. The Inauguration and Closing ceremonies of the Mela are centred around them and thus these structures become a part of the memory and the spirit of the Mela each year.

Over the years these Commemorative structures have become symbols of the plurality of Indian culture. These structures are preserved by the authorities for posterity and as milestones in the journey of this unique fair.

These commemorative structures serve as life size souvenirs for times to come and make a mini India come alive at the Surajkund Mela Grounds.

It is open to visitors from 10.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.

• Tickets are available at https://in.bookmyshow.com/festival/surajkand-international-crafts-mela
• Buses are available from ISBT, Shivaji Stadium, Gurgaon,Faridabad and Surajkund.
• Tourist cabs/ tourist coaches to the venue can be conveniently hired from Delhi.

By Bus

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By Bus

By Rail

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By Rail

Delhi is the nearest railway junction. Faridabad and Gurgaon are both linked to Delhi via railway lines. From each of these stations, one can travel to Surajkund by car/cab or tourist coach.

By Air

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By Air

The nearest airport is at Delhi. Surajkund is a 35 minute drive from the Indira Gandhi International airport and 25 kms. from Palam airport.

By Road

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By Road

Surajkund is well-connected to Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad by metalled road approachable by one's own or hired conveyance.

Route Map

The Mela is jointly hosted by the Surajkund Mela Authority in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, External Affairs, Department of Tourism, Government of Haryana and Haryana Tourism Corporation.This festival has come to occupy a place of pride and prominence on the international tourist calendar, attracting more than a million domestic and foreign visitors during the Mela fortnight