37th Surajkund Mela or Surajkund International Craft fair is scheduled to start from 02 february and will continue till18 february, 2024, in Faridabad, Haryana.
About 37th Surajkund Mela 2024 : Date, Place, Timing, Theme
Surajkund International Crafts Mela is a cultural celebration that transcends geographical boundaries. It offers a vibrant platform for artists and artisans from around the world to showcase their rich cultural heritage and artistic talents.
- The Surajkund Mela is unique as it showcases the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of India, & is the largest crafts fair in the world.
- Surajkund Crafts Mela was hosted for the first time in 1987.
- In 2013, the fair was upgraded to an international level and in 2015, a record number of 20 countries participated in the Mela and Lebanon was the Partner Nation and Chhattisgarh, the Theme State.
- Historical Linkage: Faridabad is a city with historical significance due to the ancient reservoir, ‘Lake of the Sun,’ constructed by King Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty in the 10th century.
Surajkund Mela: Location
- 37th Surajkund Mela 2024 will take place in Surajkund, Faridabad.
Surajkund Mela: Duration
- 37th Surajkund Crafts Mela is scheduled to commence on February 2, 2024, and will run until February 18, 2024.
Surajkund Mela: Cultural Programmes in 2024
| Date | Day | Performance |
| 2nd February | Friday | Opening Ceremony by Maitreyi |
| 3rd February | Saturday | A mesmerizing Bhakti performance by Mithali Thakur |
| 4th February | Sunday | Swing to the tunes of International Fusion Aritsts |
| 5th February | Monday | Spell binding cultural show by Art and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Haryana |
| 6th February | Tuesday | Sway to the vibes of enchanting music by North Eastern Band |
| 7th February | Wednesday | Foot tapping Gujarati tunes by Bollywood Artist (Gujarat- Theme State) |
| 8th February | Thursday | Enthralling performance by Haryanvi Artist |
| 9th February | Friday | Scintillating Fashion Show by Gujarat Theme State |
| 10th February | Saturday | Captivating musical show by Shillong Choir |
| 11th February | Sunday | Groove to the tunes of electrifying performance by Papon |
| 12th February | Monday | Soul Stirring Sufi performance by Padma Shri Ustad Ahmed Hussain and Ustad Mohammed Hussain |
| 13th February | Tuesday | A dazzling performance by Punjabi Pop sensation Daler Mehndi |
| 14th February | Wednesday | Rock to the music of Parikrama Band |
| 15th February | Thursday | Classical Gujarati performance by Geeta Rabri |
| 16th February | Friday | Fashion show by the North Eastern States |
| 17th February | Saturday | Spell-binding performance by Legendary Padamashri Kailash Kher. |
| 18th February | Sunday | Closing Ceremony-by Maitreyi. |
Surajkund Mela Timing: Daily from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Surajkund Mela: Theme State
- Gujarat is the ‘Theme State’ this year.
- Fair will reflect the rich cultural heritage, traditions, folklore, music, and artistry of Gujarat on vibrant display.
- The attraction of Gujrat: Dholavira, a city of the Indus Valley civilization, dating to 3rd Century BC. As well as contemporary creations, epitomised by the tallest statue in the world.
- Other Notable Attractions in Gujarat: Astounding Rani in Vav, the spiritual Somnath temple, the majestic Gir National Park, the beautiful Rann of Kutch.
Chronology of Surajkund Mela Partner State
| Year of Mela | Partner State Name |
| 1987-88 | —- |
| 1989 | Rajasthan |
| 1990 | West Bengal |
| 1991 | Kerala |
| 1992 | Chhattisgarh |
| 1993 | Orissa |
| 1994 | Karnataka |
| 1995 | Punjab |
| 1996 | Himachal Pradesh |
| 1997 | Gujarat |
| 1998 | Northern Eastern States |
| 1999 | Andhra Pradesh |
| 2000 | Jammu and Kashmir |
| 2001 | Goa |
| 2002 | Sikkim |
| 2003 | Uttaranchal |
| 2004 | Tamil Nadu |
| 2005 | Chhattisgarh |
| 2006 | Maharashtra |
| 2007 | Andhra Pradesh |
| 2008 | West Bengal |
| 2009 | Madhya Pradesh |
| 2010 | Rajasthan |
| 2011 | Andhra Pradesh |
| 2012 | Assam |
| 2013 | Karnataka |
| 2014 | Goa |
| 2015 | Chhattisgarh |
| 2016 | Telangana |
| 2017 | Jharkhand |
| 2018 | Uttar Pradesh |
| 2019 | Maharashtra |
| 2020 | Himachal Pradesh |
| 2022 | Jammu and Kashmir |
| 2023 | North East State |
Surajkund Mela: Partner Nation
37th Surajkund Fair will feature the United Republic of Tanzania as the ‘Partner Nation,’ showcasing a culmination of colors and cultures from across the globe. Tanzania is kown for its landscapes and diverse wildlife, canvas for vibrant artistic expression, rich cultural heritage and intricate beadwork of the Maasai to the contemporary art scenes in urban centers.
- Tanzania’s local art and crafts scene is a testament to the country’s creativity and traditions.
- 37th Surajkund Mela Participating Nation: Kazakhstan, China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, Cambodia, UAE,etc.
Surajkund Mela: Organizing Authority
- The Surajkund Mela Authority organizes it in collaboration with the Haryana Tourism Department and the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, and External Affairs.
Surajkund Mela: Significance
- Legacy: It stands as a testament to the rich amalgamation of human creativity, preserving the enduring legacy of cultural heritage.
- Preserving Traditional Craftsmanship: It provides a platform for artisans and craftspeople to revive and showcase traditional handlooms and handicrafts, in an age where technology often dominates.
- Promoting Artisan Interaction and Trade: It also fosters interaction and trade opportunities for these talented artisans.
- Highlighting India’s Diversity: The Mela’s thematic representation of an Indian state each year highlights the country’s diversity and ethnicity, attracting visitors from across the world.
- Celebrating Indian Traditions: It celebrates the unique diversity of Indian traditions and culture in an ambiance created to represent the ethos of rural India.
- Supporting Export: To undertake the promotion of export of handlooms and handicrafts.
Surajkund Mela: Outcome
- Boost Tourism: Mela has contributed significantly to boosting tourism in Faridabad, Haryana.
- With over 20 countries participating, the event continues to grow in popularity, attracting a global audience.
- Marketplace: This international Crafts Mela not only serves as a marketplace for artisans but also as a cultural exchange platform, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of various traditions and crafts.
