The much-loved Surajkund International Crafts Mela has opened in Faridabad, Haryana, bringing colour, culture and crafts to life from 31 January to 15 February 2026.
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Surajkund Mela 2026 launches with fanfare and global flair
Organised by Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs. The annual festival, now in its 39th edition, draws artisans, performers and visitors from across India and abroad, turning Surajkund Road into a bustling cultural hub.
39th Surajkund International Self-reliant Crafts Festival begins at #Surajkund.
The fair with a theme “Local to Global – Atmanirbhar Bharat” inaugurated by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan.
Union Tourism Minister @gssjodhpur and Haryana Chief Minister @NayabSainiBJP are also… pic.twitter.com/jBSoqEaJ2X
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) January 31, 2026
What’s special this year: Egypt as partner nation
This year’s edition features Egypt as the partner country, adding international depth to the showcase alongside India’s theme states Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya. Organisers have also introduced enhanced lighting and venue renovations to enliven the fairgrounds after dusk.
Festival dates, timings and highlights
Dates: January 31 to February 15, 2026
Timings: Daily from late morning to evening (roughly 10 am – 8:30 pm)
Location: Surajkund International Crafts Mela Grounds, Faridabad, Haryana (near Delhi NCR)
During the 16-day run, visitors can explore traditional handicrafts, folk performances, artisan stalls, regional cuisines and cultural shows from across India and beyond.
Tickets and how to buy them
Tickets for the event are available online and offline:
Online: Through the Haryana Tourism website and BookMyShow.
Metro/DMRC: Tickets may also be purchased through the DMRC mobile app and at selected metro stations for faster entry.
Prices: Around ₹120 on weekdays and ₹180 on weekends, with concessions for senior citizens, students and differently-abled visitors.
Children under a certain age generally enter free — check official guidelines before you go.
Visitors are encouraged to book digital passes with QR codes to speed up entry into the mela grounds.
Traffic guidelines and road advisories for visitors
To manage heavy crowds and ensure smooth access:
– Heavy and commercial vehicles are banned on several routes leading to the mela between 7 am and midnight throughout the event.
– Restricted stretches include roads from Pali, Ankhir, NHPC Chowk and the Prahladpur Delhi Border toward Surajkund.
– Authorities have set up 10 designated parking zones around the venue, visitors are advised to park only in authorised areas to avoid penalties.
– For smoother travel between Gurgaon, Faridabad and Delhi, officials have suggested alternative routes such as via Ankhir Chowk, Badkhal Road and Bata Chowk.
These traffic measures are part of an effort to reduce congestion near the fairgrounds and improve overall visitor experience.
How to reach Surajkund Mela
Metro: The nearest major metro stop is Badarpur or Badkal Mor (Violet Line), from where auto rickshaws or shared cabs connect to the mela entrance.
Road: Taxis, app cabs, buses and private vehicles from Delhi, Gurugram and Noida provide direct access.
Air travel: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is approximately 25–30 km from the mela site.
Daily cultural performances and headline attractions
A key draw of Surajkund Mela is its live performance circuit, with stages across the grounds hosting music, folk dance, comedy and more:
Feb 1: Folk singer Mahabir Guddu kicks off musical showcases
Feb 2: Rising artist Hemant Brijwasi performs
Feb 3: Tarannum Malik brings vocal flair
Feb 5: Playback singer Salman Ali
Feb 6: Pop-sufi band Swarizm
Feb 7: Stand-up by Amit Tandon
Feb 8: Legendary Gurdas Maan headlines a major evening
Feb 9: Soul singer Kailash Kher delivers a special set
Feb 12: Punjabi singer Ashok Masti electrifies the crowd
Beyond these headliners, daily folk dance troupes, traditional music ensembles and local performers enrich the schedule, with multiple shows taking place throughout the day.
Crafts, cuisine and family-friendly attractions
– Surajkund Mela isn’t just about performances. Visitors can explore:
– Artisan pavilions showcasing hand-loomed textiles and region-specific handicrafts from across India and abroad.
– Culinary zones with special food stalls from theme states and the partner country for a taste of regional delights.
– Entertainment sections offering amusement rides, interactive workshops, puppet shows and storytelling spaces perfect for families.
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Why the Surajkund Mela is a cultural must-visit
The Surajkund Crafts Mela has grown into one of India’s most cherished cultural gatherings, serving as a platform for artisans and performers to reach global audiences while celebrating the rich diversity of Indian heritage, offering visitors a chance to experience hand-made textiles, pottery, jewellery, folk art, dance, music and food from far-flung regions. With an international presence, colourful cultural stages and immersive experiences for all ages, it remains a top pick for travellers, art lovers and festival enthusiasts.
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