39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026: Celebrating Global Handcrafted Traditions

The 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela runs from January 31st to February 15th, 2026. It happens at Surajkund in Faridabad, Haryana.

The place brings together skilled makers from all over India and the world. They show off genuine handcrafted and folk art. You can buy these pieces here. They carry real meaning. They look beautiful but won’t break the bank.

The fair isn’t just about things you can hold. It also pulses with live cultural acts. These performances turn a visit into a full experience.

This event keeps old craft traditions alive. It starts conversations between cultures. That’s why artists, collectors, and plain curious people keep coming back. They return year after year.

History and Growth

The Surajkund International Crafts Mela first started in 1987. Back then, the main goal of this fair was to save Indian handicrafts and handlooms from disappearing. They also wanted to give traditional artisans a real chance.

It all happens on the same 40-acre ground in Surajkund, Faridabad. That’s in Haryana. They set up more than a thousand huts for artisans to work and show their pieces.

What began as a local effort has grown. It’s now one of the largest craft fairs on the planet. 

Millions of people walk through its paths every single year. They come to see the skill, to feel the textures, and to keep these traditions breathing.

Event Basics—2026 Edition

• Dates: 31 January – 15 February 2026
• Location: Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana, India
• Hosting Bodies: Government of Haryana, Surajkund Mela Authority, and several union ministries, including Tourism, Culture, Textiles, and External Affairs.
• Partner & Theme: Egypt as partner nation and Uttar Pradesh as theme state in 2026, with local crafts, music, and food highlighted. 

Product Range & Price Expectations

While exact 2026 price lists aren’t published yet, at the 38th edition (2025), tickets were priced at:

• ₹120 on weekdays
• ₹180 on weekends for general entry.

Prices here are all over the map. A small souvenir might cost very little. But a detailed handwoven textile or a piece of carved woodwork carries a much higher price. It depends entirely on the item and the artisan. 

You’ll find everything from simple pots to intricate metalwork and imported pieces. Haggling is expected. That’s part of the game at a fair. Just know your budget. Come ready for cheap finds and expensive treasures.

Main attractions include:

• Traditional and rare handicrafts from Indian states and many countries.
• Live craft demonstrations and weaving displays.
• Daily cultural performances, including folk dance, music, and theatrical showcases in open-air venues.
• Country pavilions such as the Egyptian pavilion with themed installations and cultural spots.
• Multi-cuisine food courts and local culinary stalls.
• Fashion shows, street entertainment, puppetry, and traditional art forms. 

Visitor Arrangements & Amenities

• You will find over 1000+ Workhut stalls. Artisans, weavers, and craft sellers fill them.
• Multiple cultural areas and open-air theaters host performances. They call these spaces chaupals.
• Dedicated food courts serve up regional dishes and other cuisines.
• The grounds are massive. People easily spend a whole day seeing everything.
• Recent years have had better signs, clear entry points, and defined walkways to handle the crowd.
• They don’t publicly list a specific cost for these arrangements.

Important 2026 Pointers

Cultural Exchange Beyond Borders

The Surajkund Mela brings together craftsmen from India and foreign delegates into a common domain that helps transcend boundaries with regard to craft. The event not only represents a meeting point between cultures but also a dialogue between methods, concepts, and experiences.

The fair realizes the strength of craft is increased by the process of exchange. Craftspeople are valued not as producers alone but as voices and partners in culture. Surajkund is bigger than an annual fair held in Haryana; it is an international platform where the past and the present meet.

It does not mean that the craft is suspended in a kind of temporal freeze. Rather, it brings the craft alive and keeps it in the world.

How to Participate in the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026

If you want to join the mela as an artisan, craftsperson, or performer, you need to send in a participation proposal first.

• Send your details and a portfolio of your work to the right people. Use the official email contacts: haryanatourism74@gmail.com  or com.perth@mea.gov.in .
• You can get these email addresses from your local Indian embassy, consulate, or tourism department. You must send your proposal through them.
• If you are a cultural troupe, your group should have 10 to 15 members. Your team should be ready to perform and share your heritage.
• If you get selected, the Mela Authority covers your basic needs. You get free boarding, lodging, and local transport from Delhi Airport to the fairgrounds for the event’s full run.
• You are responsible for your own costs to get there. This includes your airfare, any customs duty, and your travel insurance. You also cover any professional fees you might charge.
• Have questions? Need help? Reach out for details or support. Contact the Mela Authority at haryanatourism74@gmail.com . You can also go through the Indian embassy or consulate in your region.

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