Surajkund Fair 2025 Showcases Art, Culture, And Heritage

The vibrancy of colors, art, craft, culture, music, and heritage will welcome the 38th Surajkund International Handicrafts Fair, starting from February 7 and running till February 23 at Surajkund, Faridabad. It is considered as one of the world's largest craft fairs, bringing together artisans, performers, and visitors in the same pitch. Union Tourism and Cultural Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will inaugurate the fair, while Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Nayab Singh Saini will preside over the event.

Speaking at a press conference at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi, Haryana's Minister of Tourism and Cooperation Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the fair has grown in stature and grandeur over the last decade. He stated that 51 countries, seven being from the BIMSTEC, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Sri Lanka will take part this year's fair. According to the theme state declarations of the event for the year are the rich cultural and traditional heritage to be projected with Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.

Dr. Sharma highlighted that the Surajkund Fair is an essential platform for promoting India’s diverse cultural and artistic heritage. The fair provides an international stage for artisans to exhibit their talents and handicrafts, thereby strengthening India’s position as a global hub for traditional art and culture. He remarked that the fair aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fostering national unity and promoting India’s cultural diversity.

The event promises several cultural performances-cum-events and programmes, right from traditional folk dances to a host of musical events by some of the promising artists from different states and nations. The staging of performances at the fair venues has been entrusted to four venue options. Added to the ongoing Chaupal 1 and 2 stages in this year were the Maha Stage and the Natya Shala. Thousand of artists' performances are added color and liveliness to it.

To make the visit more enjoyable for the visitors, the organizers have brought in many technological and logistic improvements. There will be a QR code which will provide access to information related to the stall, including names of artisans and stall numbers. Shuttle bus services have been made available from prominent metro stations-Gurugram Ballabhgarh, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Connaught Place, and Tughlaqabad-to allow public participation.

Dr. Sharma also declared a joint collaboration with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the ticketing and parking tickets. Tickets are available at selected counters in metro stations and at special counters on the entrance gates of the fair. The day pass ticket is offered at ₹120 for regular days and ₹180 on weekends, and the discount is offered for children only. Special arrangements like e-rickshaws will be made available especially for senior citizens and disabled people.

Foodies will feel elated when 15 stalls offering traditional dishes, along with private food companies, are hosted in the State. A total of diverse options of culinary expertise will be treated to the wide variety of flavors of India and its richly varied gastronomy. Apart from food and craft, rural traditional sports like wrestling, kabaddi, kho-kho among others will entertain and engage people.

Dr. Sharma stated that the fair is a major step in enriching India's handicrafts, handlooms, and cultural fabric. He felt proud of the fact that the event brings together artisans and artists from different parts of the world to promote a spirit of cultural exchange and collaboration.

Surajkund International Handicrafts Fair is in the past something like a representation of India's diversified vibrant heritage, an aspect rich in varied expression. On the one hand, it was used as an occasion for portraying this great cultural country; on the other, an excellent way through which local artists can showcase themselves before people belonging to every culture across the world. At present, 38th Edition will make sure the spectacle continues being a show like never seen.