Surajkund Mela

Surajkund Mela
Name	Surajkund Mela
Location	Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana, India
Years active	1987–present
First	1987
Frequency	Annual
Genre	Crafts fair, cultural festival

Surajkund Mela Surajkund Mela is an annual crafts and cultural fair held in Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana, India, that showcases traditional artisanship and regional performance arts. Established to celebrate Indian handicrafts and promote cultural exchange, the event attracts domestic and international visitors, dignitaries, and craft producers from states across India and countries worldwide. The fair is staged near the archeological site of the Surajkund reservoir and has become a significant attraction in the national calendar of festivals.

History

The fair traces its origins to initiatives by the Government of Haryana and cultural agencies such as the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), and the Ministry of Textiles (India) to revive traditional crafts after the 1980s. Early editions involved collaborations with the Archaeological Survey of India and local institutions including the Faridabad District Administration, Haryana Tourism, and the National School of Drama to situate the fair at the historic Surajkund site. Over time, partnerships expanded to include national organizations like the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of Culture (India), and international participants coordinated through bodies such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and foreign cultural missions including the British Council and various foreign embassies. The event has hosted state pavilions from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Kashmir, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. High-profile visitors have included ministers from the Union Cabinet of India and cultural delegations from countries represented by embassies in New Delhi.

Organization and Venue

Organizers comprise the Haryana Tourism Corporation, the Faridabad Development Authority, and the Ministry of Culture (India), working with event managers, handicraft cooperatives, and artisan associations such as the All India Handloom Board, National Handloom Development Corporation, and the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA). The venue is the Surajkund amphitheatre area adjacent to the Tughlaqabad Fort corridor and the Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in the Aravalli Range. Logistics involve coordination with transport authorities including Delhi Transport Corporation, the Indian Railways, and the National Highways Authority of India for connectivity to New Delhi, Gurgaon (now Gurugram), and Ballabhgarh. Security and crowd management have been handled with support from the Haryana Police, National Disaster Response Force, and municipal agencies. International delegations have been facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs (India) and protocol teams from various Embassies in India.

Exhibitions and Crafts

The fair curates state-themed pavilions and national exhibitions featuring crafts promoted by bodies like the Handloom Export Promotion Council, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, and NGOs such as Dastkari Haat Samiti. Artisans present textiles like Banarasi saris from Varanasi, Kanjeevaram from Kanchipuram, Pashmina weaving from Kashmir, and Phulkari from Punjab. Metalwork includes Bidri from Bidar and Dokra from Bastar, while woodcrafts showcased include Sohrai paintings from Jharkhand and Madhubani art from Mithila. Jewellery exhibits feature regional techniques such as Meenakari from Jaipur, beadwork from Kutch, and tribal silverwork from Nagaland. Culinary stalls offer regional foods represented by culinary traditions from Assam, Manipur, Goa, Kerala and sweetmeats from Lucknow. International exhibitors have included countries represented by the Embassy of France in India, Embassy of Japan in India, Embassy of Indonesia in India, and delegations from Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.

Cultural Performances and Events

The fair programs classical and folk performances drawing from institutions such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi, IIT Delhi cultural clubs, and the National School of Drama. Classical music includes appearances by performers in traditions like Hindustani classical music and Carnatic music with artists trained at the Bhatkhande Music Institute, Ali Akbar College of Music, and conservatories such as the KM Music Conservatory. Folk troupes perform forms including Bhangra from Punjab, Garba from Gujarat, Ghoomar from Rajasthan, Lavani from Maharashtra, Chhau from Jharkhand, Yakshagana from Karnataka, and Bihu from Assam. The event has hosted theater productions linked to ensembles from the National School of Drama, dance recitals with choreographers associated with the Kalakshetra Foundation, and puppet shows in traditions like Kathputli from Rajasthan. Film screenings and seminars have involved institutions like the Film and Television Institute of India and the National Film Development Corporation.

Economic and Tourism Impact

The fair generates economic activity affecting suppliers, artisans, hospitality businesses, and transport operators connected to commercial centers like Connaught Place, Cyber City, Gurugram, and tourist circuits around Qutub Minar and the Red Fort. Accommodation demand engages hotel groups such as ITC Hotels, Taj Hotels, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, and budget chains operating near Indira Gandhi International Airport. Revenue streams involve craft sales, guided tours by operators registered with Incredible India, and merchandise promoted through e-commerce platforms and trade bodies including the Confederation of Indian Industry and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry. The fair supports livelihood programmes similar to initiatives by NABARD and vocational training schemes run in partnership with institutions like the National Institute of Fashion Technology.

Visitor Information and Logistics

Visitors typically access the site via routes connecting New Delhi Railway Station, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, and Gurugram Railway Station, with shuttle services coordinated with Haryana Roadways. Arrival tips often reference booking through IRCTC for rail travel and airport transfers from Indira Gandhi International Airport. Facilities on site include information desks liaising with tourism promotion agencies such as Haryana Tourism Corporation and cultural volunteers coordinated by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Special provisions have been announced in collaboration with accessibility advocates and organizations like National Federation of the Blind for inclusive access. Security advisories reference involvement by Haryana Police and emergency services including All India Institute of Medical Sciences mobile units for health contingencies.

Category:Festivals in Haryana Category:Craft fairs in India