Get ready for the grandest celebration of culture, crafts, and traditions—the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela, happening from February 7th to 23rd, 2025, in Surajkund, Faridabad! This annual event, regarded as one of the largest craft fairs globally, is more than just an exhibition; it's a vibrant celebration of Indian artistry, culture, and culinary delights.
This year’s Mela promises to be exceptional, with artisans and performers gathering from all corners of India and beyond. The event is not only popular among local visitors, but it also attracts international guests who come to experience the rich heritage of Indian handicrafts and folk traditions. Spearheaded by the theme "Shilp Mahakumbh," this Mela will replicate the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh, delivering an enriching experience to all who attend.
Over the 17 days of the Mela, visitors will enjoy a plethora of activities, including stalls showcasing unique handicrafts and interactive workshops where regular attendees can learn directly from skilled artisans. The Mela effectively promotes Indian handicrafts, offering attendees the opportunity to purchase intricately made items such as handwoven textiles, pottery, and decorative crafts, all representing various regional styles.
Cultural festivities are at the heart of the Surajkund Mela, with daily performances showcasing the diverse artistic expressions of India. Starting each day from February 7, there will be remarkable musical and dance performances, all commencing at 6:30 PM. This year, visitors can look forward to performances by renowned artists such as Sufi singer Dr. Satinder Sartaj and rapper Parmish Verma, among many others scheduled to fill the evenings with entertainment.
Attendees can also savor the complexity of Indian flavors through numerous food stalls representing culinary traditions from different states. Visitors will have the chance to taste regional specialties, promoting the idea of "Unity in Diversity" as they relish diverse cuisines.
To accommodate the large crowds expected during the event, transport and parking arrangements have been extensively planned. Traffic advisories have been issued, urging visitors to utilize alternative routes to avoid congestion. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed along key roads from February 7 to 23. The PRO has appealed to attendees to plan their journeys accordingly and recommends using public transportation, particularly from the nearest metro station, Badarpur.
Parking has been arranged at various locations, including Eros City, Helipad, Classic Garden, and special parking allotted near several adjacent hotels. This year, the organizers have heightened their commitment to ensuring visitor safety, deploying hundreds of police personnel and installing modern surveillance systems throughout the area.
Online ticket bookings are available for the event, with entry price set at INR 120 on weekdays and INR 180 on weekends. Tickets can be purchased via the DMRC's app or on-site at the Mela's entry gates. Visitors can enjoy the ease of purchasing tickets without standing in long lines, thanks to the advanced arrangements made by Haryana Tourism and DMRC.
Each day of the Mela will bring something unique, with theme days celebrating the diverse cultures of participating states. This year, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh have been designated as theme states, showcasing their rich cultural heritage through performances and displays. Attendees can look forward to lively demonstrations of dance from these states, including the famed folk dances of Jhummar and Lavani.
The Surajkund Mela is not merely about crafts; it's also about cultural exchange and mutual appreciation among nations. This year, several artisans from BIMSTEC countries will also participate, providing attendees insight and enjoying the arts and crafts from neighboring countries.
With all these extraordinary plans already underway, the Surajkund International Crafts Mela is set to be more than just an event; it will be a transformative experience for all who attend. It is through such fairs and celebrations of heritage and crafts, India's diverse cultural fabric is stitched together, creating unity from diversity.
Mark your calendars and prepare to immerse yourself this February at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, where the vibrant colors, festive moods, and cultural exchanges await!