During the first two weeks of February, a riot of colours, the rhythm of drum beats, and the joy of life collide at Surajkund in Faridabad, Haryana. The acclaimed annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela, a celebration of Indian folk traditions and cultural heritage, begins on February 1st.
More than a million visitors throng the Mela during the fortnight, including thousands of foreign tourists, earning it a place of pride on the international tourist calendar. The Surajkund Mela is unique in that it showcases the richness and diversity of India's handicrafts, handlooms, and cultural fabric, and it is the world's largest crafts fair.
The Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism are organising the event in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, and External Affairs. The state of has been chosen as the Theme State for the 36th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2022. The Mela will be attended by at least 20 countries and all of India's states.
A large number of renowned national and international folk artistes and cultural groups present day performances at the Mela's Chaupals, open-air theatres. During each Mela evening, enthralling cultural evening programmes are also held at the main Chaupal. The Mela is a keeper of heritage crafts involving the use of traditional skills that are dwindling due to cheap machine-made imitations, and a special section is earmarked for showcasing these heritage crafts.
The multi-cuisine restaurant Visitors love the Food Court because it serves ethnic cuisines from all over the world. There are designated areas for entertainment, adventure sports, and joy rides, making it a must-see event for the young.
The fair was elevated to an international level in 2013, and in 2015, a record number of 20 countries participated in the Mela, with Lebanon serving as the Partner Nation and Chhattisgarh serving as the Theme State.
During the first two weeks of February, a splash of colour, the rhythm of drum beats, and joy de vivre collide at Surajkund in Faridabad, Haryana. The acclaimed annual 'Surajkund International Crafts Mela,' a celebration of Indian folk traditions and cultural heritage, begins on February 1st.
The Mela celebrates the unique diversity of Indian traditions and culture in an atmosphere designed to represent rural India's ethos. Surajkund International Crafts Mela displays some of India's most exquisite handlooms and handicrafts. Handmade fabrics soaked in ethnic colours create a visually appealing display for visitors.
The multi-cuisine Food Courts serve ethnic cuisines from around the world and are extremely popular among visitors. The enthralling folk performances at the two 'Chaupals' and the mesmerising evening recitals at 'Natyashala' up the entertainment factor. There are designated areas for entertainment, adventure sports, and joy rides, making it a must-see event for the young.
The fair was elevated to an international level in 2013 and renamed the '28th Surajkund International Crafts Mela'. In 2014, over 15 countries from the European and African continents, including SAARC nations, took part in the Mela. Over 20 countries are expected to participate in the upcoming Surajkund International Crafts Mela.