Surajkund Mela - The World's Largest International Crafts Fair!

A unique International craft festival, the Surajkund Mela 2025 is a platform for artists across the globe to showcase their culture and talent. Hosted annually by the Haryana Tourism Department in Surajkund, the mela has many offbeat attractions for tourists of every age. Over 20 countries from South Asia, Africa, and Europe actively participate in making this fair a huge success. Surajkund, meaning 'Lake of the Sun', is an ancient reservoir that was built by King Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty in the 10th century. Faridabad in Haryana, saw no tourism until it began hosting the 'Surajkund International Craft Mela'.

Surajkund Mela 2025 Dates

In 2025, the festivities last a fortnight from 7th February, Friday to 23rd February, Sunday, engaging visitors in traditional folk dances, musical shows, and even puppet skits.

Surajkund Mela 2025 Timings

The Mela is on from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day

Surajkund Mela Ticket Price

Price: The ticket price ranges from INR 100/- to 200/- as per the demand. 
Ticket Price during Weekdays: INR 120/-
Ticket Price during Weekends: INR 180/-

Availability: Tickets for the Surajkund International Crafts Fair are easily available on all major online booking platforms and even at the venue.

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Travel: The mela has ample parking space for tourist vehicles. There are golf carts and e-rickshaws also available on request that will take you around the festival premise and parking area. Facilities like e-toilets for males and females and clean drinking water filters are installed at regular intervals within the mela grounds.

About Surajkund Mela

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Set idyllically amidst Lakkarpur and Baharpur village lays the picturesque Surajkund village near Faridabad. A dash of colour, tempo of the music and flawless craftsmanship aptly capture the essence of this beguiling fair. Celebrated no less than any festival, the core motive behind it is to promote the talent and culture of local artisans in our country. In a world where machines are replacing humans faster than before, this little initiative by the Haryana government nurtures rural craftsmanship and boosts the export of local handlooms.

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The bucolic aura of the mela creates a captivating spell for travellers who visit India from different parts of the globe. Each year the Surajkund Mela works around a specific theme based on a state of India, which also inspires the fair's architectural layout, spirit, and decor. The beauty of this concept is to very intricately accentuate the rich cultural heritage of India and boost the morale of local craftsmen to continue their waning flair of handmade merchandise.

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The Theme of Surajkund Mela 2025

For the first time in its history, the Surajkund Mela has designated two theme states—Odisha and Madhya Pradesh—marking a significant step toward establishing the event as a “Crafts Maha Kumbh.” Traditionally, the Mela has focused on one theme state and one partner country to showcase India’s diverse cultural tapestry.

The inclusion of multiple theme states is aimed at further highlighting India's rich heritage and strengthening its global cultural appeal. Over the years, the theme state selection has added a distinct flavor to the fair, celebrating the unique traditions of different regions. For instance, Maharashtra was the theme state in 2019, while Himachal Pradesh held the honor in 2020.

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Highlights of Surajkund Mela

  1. Dual Theme States: For the first time, the fair features two theme states—Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, offering a unique blend of their art, culture, crafts, and cuisines.
  2. Global Participation: Over 40 countries, including partner country Uzbekistan, will participate, showcasing international crafts, music, and cultural performances.
  3. Artisans & Crafts: A platform for over 1,000 artisans, weavers, and craftsmen from across India to exhibit and sell their traditional handicrafts and handlooms.
  4. Cultural Extravaganza: Daily performances by folk artists and cultural troupes, featuring vibrant dance forms, music, and storytelling traditions from different regions.
  5. Cuisine Pavilion: A culinary journey featuring local delicacies from Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and other Indian states, alongside international dishes.
  6. Workshops & Live Demonstrations: Interactive sessions where visitors can witness live craft-making demonstrations, pottery, weaving, and other traditional art forms.
  7. Shopping Paradise: A wide range of handcrafted items, from textiles and jewelry to home décor and paintings, ideal for souvenir hunters and craft enthusiasts.
  8. Kids’ Zone: Special activities and rides for children, ensuring a family-friendly experience.
    Eco-Friendly Focus: Promoting sustainability with eco-friendly stalls, minimal plastic usage, and workshops on green practices.
  9. Nightly Entertainment: Spectacular evening performances, including concerts, dance shows, and light displays, adding a magical touch to the fair.
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A cultural ethos, the Surajkund Mela, offers a stunning insight into the historical background and traditional beauty of hidden India. Each state exposes a part of their culture at the Mela, providing an aesthetic indulgence for both Indian and foreign tourists. If you are looking out for a rustic experience that celebrates both indigenous talent and the candid culture of locals, the Surajkund Mela should be on your bucket list.

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How to Reach the Surajkund Mela?

The Surajkund Mela is open to visitors daily from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM. Here's how you can reach the venue:

Ticket Availability

Tickets are easily accessible at all DMRC metro stations.

By Bus

Regular buses are available from ISBT, Shivaji Stadium, Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Surajkund, ensuring smooth connectivity to the venue. 

By Air

The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, located just 35 minutes away. Surajkund is also about 25 km from Palam Airport.

By Rail

Delhi serves as the nearest major railway junction. Faridabad and Gurgaon are connected to Delhi via rail and provide easy access to Surajkund through cabs or tourist coaches.

By Road

Surajkund is well-connected to Delhi, Gurgaon, and Faridabad via well-maintained roads. You can reach the venue using your own vehicle or a hired cab/tourist coach.

Parking Information

Multiple parking facilities are available near the Mela gates for visitor convenience. Below is a quick reference for parking areas:

Gate No. Mela Gate Entry From Parking Locations
I Shekhawati Delhi/Gurgaon IA - Chhattisgarh Parking, IB - Near Silver Jubilee Gate, IC - Radha Swami, ID - MCF Parking
II Jharkhand Gate/Kerala Gate Faridabad/Gurgaon 2A - HTC Land, 2B - HTC Land, 2C - EROS Land Parking
III Dhanteshwari/TRC Gate Delhi/Gurgaon 3A - Near Silver Jubilee Gate, 3B - Helipad Parking, 3D - Dinesh Aggarwal Park
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Where to Stay?

A festival of this magnitude requires some prior planning as the host city entertains guests from across the globe. While there are plenty of resorts in and around the area of Surajkund, booking early might land you some good deals. Some of the best options are the Aravalli Golf Course resort in Faridabad, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary in Gurgaon and the Taj Palace in New Delhi; you can pick a hotel based on your budget and desire to commute every day.

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All in all, the Surajkund Mela is a delightful experience that captures the essence of rustic India beautifully and magnifies the cultural amalgamation of diverse traditions in the world.

This post was published by Sneha Virmani

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