Surajkund Mela 2025

The 38th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela has arrived in Delhi-NCR, ushering in a grand celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and heritage. The event, which is set to run from February 7 to 23, 2025, is poised to showcase a spectacular array of traditional crafts, art forms, and performances. With participation from an unprecedented 648 artisans representing 42 countries, this edition is truly a global spectacle, taking the fair to an international stage.

This year, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh have been designated as the theme states, offering a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and traditional crafts. From handloom textiles to intricate tribal art, the contributions from these states promise to captivate visitors with their vibrant and diverse representations of India’s artistic traditions. The fair’s opening ceremony will be graced by the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with Haryana’s Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, marking the occasion with speeches highlighting the event’s importance in promoting local artisans and handicrafts.

The Surajkund Mela, which began in 1987, has steadily grown into one of the most renowned cultural festivals in India, drawing thousands of visitors annually. With its unique focus on rural craftsmanship, the event offers artisans a vital platform to sell their creations, gain recognition, and contribute to their livelihoods. It aligns with the Indian government’s “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, aiming to promote self-reliance and empower artisans across the nation.

This year’s fair will be open from 10 AM to 7 PM, with tickets priced at ₹120 on weekdays and ₹180 on weekends. It is expected to draw a large crowd, eager to explore a diverse range of exhibits. The fair not only serves as an exhibition but also as a celebration of craftsmanship that transcends borders. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness live demonstrations of various traditional crafts, ranging from pottery and weaving to metalwork and embroidery, all while interacting with skilled artisans. These sessions will provide insight into the time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

A particularly noteworthy feature of this year’s event is the focus on women entrepreneurs. The fair has been instrumental in helping women expand their businesses, achieve financial independence, and gain confidence as they take their crafts to the world stage. This empowerment of women is one of the pillars of the Surajkund Mela, fostering an inclusive environment where both men and women artisans are celebrated equally for their contributions to the cultural landscape.

The cultural performances at the Mela are another major draw, with an exciting lineup of talent set to perform over the course of the festival. Expect to see performances by well-known artists such as Padma Shri awardee Mahavir Guddu, Dr. Satinder Sartaj, Mame Khan, Papon, and Saurav Atri. The event will also feature a special poetry evening with Dr. Irshad Kamal, classical dance performances by Priya Venkataraman and Devika Devendra S. Mangalamukhi, and stand-up comedy acts by popular comedians like Surendra Sharma and Gaurav Gupta. These performances will be complemented by folk traditions and cultural presentations from Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, including regional dances, traditional music, and interactive shows like the “been sapera” dance, bioscope, and puppet performances.

The international participation is another exciting facet of the event, with artisans from countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Syria, Afghanistan, Belarus, and Myanmar, as well as representatives from the BIMSTEC nations (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand), adding a truly global dimension to the fair. The blend of international and local traditions offers visitors an immersive cultural experience, showcasing the diversity and shared heritage of the world.

The food stalls at the fair are always a major highlight, offering a tantalizing array of regional cuisines from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh. Visitors will have the chance to savor authentic dishes that reflect the culinary richness of these states, making the food section an experience of its own.

Surajkund Mela portal

For convenience, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has partnered with the event as the official ticketing and parking partner. Visitors can book tickets online through the DMRC website and the Surajkund Mela portal, and offline tickets are also available at Delhi Metro stations. To ensure the safety and security of the attendees, more than 1,600 police personnel will be deployed across the venue, with 600 CCTV cameras set up to monitor key points across the 45-acre layout of the fair.

Overall, the 38th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela promises to be an extraordinary celebration of the world’s artistic heritage. By bringing together artisans, performers, and visitors from around the globe, the event reinforces the importance of preserving and promoting traditional crafts while fostering a sense of global unity through culture. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a food lover, or someone simply seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrancy of India’s cultural diversity, the Surajkund Mela offers something for everyone.

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