Surajkund International Craft Mela 2026 A

Surajkund Mela 2026 is one of India’s most awaited cultural events and a must-visit destination for travellers who want to experience the country’s rich heritage in one place. Known officially as the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, this annual fair brings together artisans, performers, and food vendors from across India and several foreign countries.

Held near Delhi NCR, the mela is perfect for domestic tourists, international travellers, families, students, photographers, and culture lovers. From handmade crafts and traditional art to folk dances and regional food, Surajkund Mela brings a complete cultural travel experience.

This detailed travel guide covers everything a traveller needs to know about Surajkund Mela 2026, including dates, ticket prices, venue details, theme state, timings, how to reach, what to see, where to eat, and more useful travel tips.

What is Surajkund Mela?

Surajkund Mela is an annual cultural and handicrafts fair organised by the Haryana Tourism Department in collaboration with the Government of India. It was started in 1987 and has since grown into one of the largest craft fairs in the world.

The main aim of the mela is to:

Promote traditional Indian handicrafts
Support rural artisans and craftsmen
Preserve folk art, music, and dance forms
Showcase India’s cultural diversity to global visitors

Every year, thousands of artisans participate to make it a living museum of Indian culture.

Surajkund Mela Schedule

Dates –

Surajkund Mela 2026 will be held from 31 January 2026 to 15 February 2026.

The mela usually runs for 16 consecutive days, starting at the end of January and continuing till mid-February. These dates follow the traditional annual schedule of the event.

Travellers planning their visit should keep an eye on official announcements closer to the event for final confirmation, but these dates are considered the standard time period for the mela.

Timings –

Daily visiting hours – 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM

The mela remains open throughout the day, allowing visitors to explore at a relaxed pace. Cultural performances generally take place during the daytime and early evening hours.

Best time of day to visit:

Morning hours are best for shopping and photography.
Late afternoon to evening is a suitable time for cultural shows and food.

Surajkund Mela Venue Details

Venue: Surajkund Mela Ground
Location: Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana, India

Surajkund is located just outside Delhi to make it easily accessible from New Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and Faridabad. It is also good for crowd management.

The mela ground is spread over a large open-air area designed like a traditional village market. The layout includes:

State-wise craft stalls
Open stages for performances
Food courts
International pavilions
Seating and rest areas

Theme State of Surajkund Mela 2026

Every year, the Surajkund Mela highlights one or more Indian states as ‘theme states’, giving them special focus that year. The theme for Surajkund Mela 2026 is Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya, whereas the chosen country is Egypt.

As the theme states, Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya will showcase:

Traditional handicrafts such as chikankari embroidery, glass bangles, brassware, carpets, pottery, and perfumes.
Folk dances and music forms.
Regional cuisine from different districts.
Special stalls under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.

In addition to the theme state, Surajkund Mela also features:

Other Indian states and union territories.
International partner countries with dedicated pavilions make the mela both a national and international cultural event.

Weekdays (Monday to Friday): Approximately Rs 120 per person
Weekends (Saturday and Sunday): Approximately Rs 180 per person
There is also a discount or free entry for students with a valid ID, children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.

Where to buy tickets

Online ticket booking platforms (BookmyShow & DMRC)
Official tourism portals
On-site ticket counters at the mela entrance

Booking tickets online is recommended, especially on weekends, as the mela attracts large crowds and queues can be long.

How to Reach Suraj kund Mela

By Metro

Nearest stations: Badarpur Border, Tughlakabad, or Badkhal Mor
Metro line: Violet Line (Delhi Metro)
From metro stations, visitors can take shared auto-rickshaws, taxis, or shuttle buses.
If you are coming by car, please check out the given parking details in advance for your convenience.

By Bus

Haryana Roadways and Delhi Transport Corporation run special buses for the mela.
Direct buses are available from Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, and nearby areas.
Shuttle services often operate during Mela days.

By Car or Taxi

You can easily reach via road from Delhi NCR.
Paid parking is available near the Mela ground.
App-based taxis and local cabs are widely used for commuting.
You can also hire a car on rent from a trusted rental car service provider in Delhi.
Below is Parking Detail:

Gate No.	Mela Gate	Entry from	Parking Numbers
I	Shekhawati	Delhi/Gurgaon	IA- Chhatisgarh parking IB- Near Silver Jubilee Gate IC- Radha Swami ID- MCF Parking
II	Jharkhand Gate/Kerla Gate	Faridabad/Gurgaon	2A- HTC Land 2B- HTC Land 2C- EROS Land Parking
III	Dhanteshwari/TRC Gate	Delhi/Gurgaon	3A- Near Silver Jubilee Gate 3D- Dinesh Aggarwal Park

By Air

Nearest airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.
The distance from the airport is approximately 25 to 30 km.
From the airport, taxis are the most convenient option.

Layout Plan of Surajkund Mela

Please go through the given location plan of Surajkund International Crafts Mela to help yourself find your way on the mela ground and around the parking.

What to See at Surajkund Mela 2026

Handicrafts and Shopping

Surajkund Mela is famous for authentic handmade products directly sold by artisans. Popular items include:

Handloom textiles and shawls
Pottery and clay art
Wooden and metal crafts
Tribal jewellery
Leather goods
Bamboo and cane products
Paintings and decorative items

Bargaining is common, but prices are usually fair since items are sold directly by craftsmen.

Cultural Performances

Daily cultural programs are a major attraction. Visitors can enjoy:

Folk dances from different Indian states
Traditional music performances
Street theatre and puppet shows
Fashion shows featuring ethnic wear

These performances give travellers a deep insight into India’s living traditions.

Food and Cuisine

The mela has dedicated food courts offering dishes from across India and abroad.

Popular food options include:

North Indian and South Indian meals
Rajasthani, Punjabi, and Awadhi cuisines
North-Eastern Indian dishes
Street food and traditional sweets
International food stalls

Food prices are reasonable, and hygiene standards are generally well maintained.

Best Time to Visit Surajkund Mela

Weekdays are best for visitors who want fewer crowds.
Weekends are lively but crowded.
Early February usually has pleasant winter weather.
Evenings are ideal for enjoying cultural programs, while mornings are better for shopping and photography.

Travel Tips for Visitors

Wear comfortable footwear as the mela ground is large.
Bring a shopping bag to avoid carrying multiple small bags.
Keep some cash, although digital payments are widely accepted.
Visit early in the day to cover all sections.
Stay hydrated and take breaks wherever needed.
Follow local guidelines and security instructions.

Why is Surajkund Mela 2026 Worth Visiting?

Surajkund Mela is not just a fair; it is a cultural journey which allows travellers to:

Experience India’s diversity in one place
Support local artisans directly
Enjoy authentic regional food
Witness rare art forms and traditions
Spend quality time with family and friends

For international tourists, it offers a deep cultural experience without travelling across the entire country.

Surajkund Mela 2026 is a perfect destination for travellers looking for culture, art, food, and history in one vibrant setting. With its convenient location near Delhi, affordable tickets, rich cultural programs, and a massive variety of crafts, it remains one of India’s top cultural festivals.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, Surajkund Mela 2026 promises an unforgettable experience filled with colour, creativity, and tradition.