Mela Inauguration & Vision
The 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026 commenced with an inauguration ceremony led by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan in Faridabad, Haryana.
During the event, the Mela Sathi App was unveiled, designed to assist visitors by providing navigation and informational support throughout the fair. The Vice President emphasized the crucial role of India's artisans as keepers of ancient knowledge, highlighting that their empowerment is fundamental to constructing a robust, inclusive, and sustainable economic framework. He further noted the current administration's focus, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on elevating India’s cultural legacy and the handicrafts sector to a central position in national revitalization efforts. Initiatives such as the Pradhanmantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana were also mentioned as vital programs offering financial aid and skill enhancement opportunities to traditional craftspeople, underscoring a commitment to preserving and promoting these invaluable skills.
Theme and Global Participation
This year's Surajkund Mela champions the theme 'Local to Global,' aiming to provide Indian artisans with significant international exposure and recognition for their exceptional skills. The fair proudly features Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya as its theme states, offering visitors an immersive experience into their unique craftsmanship, traditional textiles, and distinct cultural traditions. Adding a truly international dimension, Egypt participates as the partner nation, infusing the event with a global essence through its own array of crafts, captivating performances, and diverse culinary offerings. Attendees can anticipate a daily spectacle of national and international folk artistry performed at two open-air theatres, known as Chaupals, within the Mela grounds. Furthermore, special evening cultural programs are scheduled every night at the main Chaupal, promising an enriching artistic journey until the Mela concludes on February 15, 2026.
Stalls and Attractions
Renowned for its remarkable ability to consolidate India's diverse craft heritage under a single umbrella, the Surajkund Mela presents an extensive array of attractions. Visitors can explore numerous craft stalls showcasing a wide spectrum of handmade products, including exquisite handloom textiles, artisanal pottery, intricate jewelry, finely crafted woodwork, durable leather goods, detailed metal crafts, and unique handmade decorative items. Complementing the crafts, a variety of food stalls offer authentic regional cuisines from across India, alongside popular street food options and traditional sweets. The cultural performances are a major draw, featuring traditional folk dances, melodious music, engaging puppet shows, and captivating international acts. For those seeking a deeper understanding, live workshops are conducted where skilled artisans demonstrate their age-old craft-making techniques in real-time, providing valuable insights into their mastery.
Navigating the Venue
Reaching the Surajkund Mela 2026 is made convenient with several transportation options available. For metro users, the nearest stations include Badarpur Border on the Violet Line, and Sector 37/38 stations in Faridabad, with access points varying based on the entry gate used. From these metro stations, auto-rickshaws, taxis, and dedicated shuttle services are readily available to transport visitors to the Mela venue. By road, the Mela is easily accessible via taxi, private car, or bus from major cities like Delhi, Gurgaon, and Faridabad, with clear road signage guiding visitors to the location. Additionally, bus services are specifically arranged from ISBT, Gurgaon, Faridabad, and key metro stops. For air travelers, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is approximately 25–30 kilometers away, from where onward travel can be arranged.
Parking and Logistics
To manage the influx of visitors, authorities have established 10 designated parking zones strategically located around the Surajkund Mela venue. Attendees are strongly advised to utilize only these authorized parking areas to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety. For vehicles approaching Faridabad from Prahladpur, which is on the Delhi border, the recommended route is via NH-44 through Badarpur. Heavy vehicles traveling from Gurugram are directed to use the KMP Expressway or alternative routes to avoid congestion within the city. These arrangements aim to facilitate easier access and egress for all attendees, ensuring a comfortable experience from arrival to departure.
2026 Mela Experience
The Surajkund Mela 2026 promises an enriched and dynamic experience, presenting a captivating fusion of crafts, cultural performances, and culinary exploration, notably with Egypt as its distinguished partner country. The Tourism Department has undertaken enhancements to the venue, including renovations in key areas and the installation of new lighting systems, to significantly improve the evening ambiance and overall visitor experience. Attendees can anticipate a comprehensive immersion into both Indian and international folk cultures, a vast array of artisanal crafts, and diverse gastronomic delights, all conveniently gathered under one roof. This makes the Mela an ideal destination for weekend plans, offering a memorable journey through heritage and global artistry.
