A Fair to Remember
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela is more than an exhibition—it is an experience that lingers in memory. Whether
you’re indulging in authentic crafts, being mesmerized by folk performances, or savoring global flavors, every moment at
Surajkund is an invitation to step into a world of colors, creativity, and culture.
So, come and be part of this grand celebration—where the world meets at one place, and every corner tells a story
waiting to be explored!
Partner Nations: A World of Creativity at Surajkund
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela has long been a confluence of cultures, where art, tradition, and craftsmanship
from around the world come alive.
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 wavers 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 1000 workhuts 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 lacquerware, cane and grass products.
From the intricate Dokka metal craft of Nepal to the handwoven Jamdani textiles of Bangladesh, from Sri Lanka's elegant batik prints to Thailand’s delicate Benjarong ceramics, each country showcases its legacy through its artistic treasures. Myanmar’s lacquerware, Bhutan’s Thangka paintings, and India's myriad folk traditions add to the grandeur, creating a living museum of heritage. Visitors can also savor BIMSTEC's diverse culinary flavors, from Bhutanese Ema Datshi to Burmese Mohinga and Thai Satay, each dish an explosion of taste and tradition.
A Tale of Two Cultures The heart of India beats through Madhya Pradesh, while the soul of Odisha resonates with timeless traditions. This year, both states come together to take visitors on a journey through their art, folklore, and cultural grandeur.
Odisha:The Canvas of Divine Art Odisha, the land of the majestic Jagannath Temple, is famed for its Pattachitra paintings, Sambalpuri weaves, and filigree silverwork. At Surajkund, visitors will witness Odisha’s shadow puppetry, Gotipua classical dance (the precursor to Odissi), and the warrior dance, Paika Nrutya. The traditional arts of stone carving, applique work, and palm-leaf etching transport visitors into a world of divine artistry. The aroma of Dalma, Chhena Poda, Rasogola and Pakhala Bhata fills the air, offering a gastronomic delight unique to Odisha’s culinary heritage.
Madhya Pradesh:The Land of Timeless Traditions Steeped in history, Madhya Pradesh is a land where Gond paintings narrate age-old folklore, Maheshwari sarees weave tales of elegance, and tribal metalwork reflects the raw beauty of nature. The state’s artisans bring a stunning array of crafts—Dhokra brass figurines, Chanderi silk drapes, Bagh block prints, and intricate stone carvings. The performances are equally mesmerizing, with the energetic Matki dance, the hypnotic Tertali, and the soul-stirring Pandavani storytelling captivating audiences.
Major highlights of the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2025
BIMSTEC will participate as the ‘Partner nation’ and showcase its crafts, culture, art forms and cuisines at the mela
The evenings at Chaupal are filled with the enchanting strains of Ghazals, Thumris, and Ragas, as celebrated artists take the stage to weave magic through music. The festival is a living testament to India’s cultural heritage, where visitors can immerse themselves in an unforgettable symphony of sound and movement.
Adding to the authentic experience, Apna Ghar, a traditional Haryanvi home, welcomes visitors into the rustic charm of Haryana. Mud walls adorned with folk motifs, charpais in open verandas, and artisans crafting earthenware, rugs, and metal artifacts transport visitors into a bygone era. It is a space where guests can interact with craftsmen, learn about their traditions, and witness the beauty of handcrafted heritage.
