648 Participants From 42 Countries To Take Part In Surajkund Crafts Fair

The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair, set to take place from 7-23 February, will bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the world of arts and culture.

With record national and international participation, the fair will host 648 participants from 42 countries. Odisha and Madhya Pradesh will be the theme states this year, giving visitors an opportunity to experience their rich cultural heritage alongside exhibits from other states.

Speaking at a press conference at the Surajkund Mela complex, Haryana Tourism Corporation’s Principal Secretary and Surajkund Mela Authority Vice Chairperson, Kala Ramachandran, highlighted that the fair will serve as a powerful platform to showcase Haryana’s cultural traditions globally. She announced that Union Tourism & Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will inaugurate the fair on February 7 at 10 AM, with Haryana CM Nayab Singh and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma in attendance.

Ramachandran emphasised that Surajkund has become the world’s largest crafts fair, preserving and promoting India’s rich artistic traditions. The event is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and global unity. Extensive arrangements have been made to ensure a seamless experience for visitors, with CCTV surveillance for security. Launched in 1987, the fair continues to empower artisans by providing them with direct market access, supporting the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. It serves as a launchpad for small and medium entrepreneurs, especially women, contributing to their economic empowerment.

Massive International Participation This Year
Ramachandran revealed that this year’s fair will see unprecedented international participation, with 648 participants from 42 countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Syria, Afghanistan, Belarus, Myanmar, and members of the BIMSTEC alliance.

Live Demonstrations of Traditional Craftsmanship
A key highlight of the fair will be live demonstrations by artisans, allowing visitors to witness traditional craftsmanship up close. Interactive sessions will feature experts from various artistic fields, including cinema, photography, theatre, painting, and sculpture.

Star-Studded Cultural Performances
Visitors will enjoy a vibrant mix of music and dance performances by renowned artists, including Padma Shri awardee Mahavir Guddu, Dr. Satinder Sartaj, Mame Khan, Papon and his band, and Saurav Atri. Poetic evenings by Dr. Irshad Kamal, classical dance performances by Priya Venkataraman and Devika Devendra S. Mangla Mukhi, and stand-up acts by famous humorists Surendra Sharma and Gaurav Gupta will entertain the audience. Odisha and Madhya Pradesh’s folk performances will be major attractions, alongside a fashion show by NIFT Mohali. Traditional street performances like Banchari, Been Sapera, Nagada Party, magic shows, bioscope, and puppet shows will add to the charm. The North-Eastern Handicrafts & Handloom Development Corporation will showcase the region’s rich craftsmanship, textiles, and cuisine.

Culinary Delights from Across India
The fair will offer a diverse range of traditional dishes from different states, including Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and theme states Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is the official ticketing and parking partner. Visitors can book tickets online via the DMRC website or the Surajkund Mela portal, with offline tickets available at metro stations.