‘Oh, it’s almost February? What’s the theme state of the mela this year?‘ – That’s what conversations look like in my house when it’s time for Surajkund Crafts Mela. It’s more like a ritual for us than just going to a fair, where I sometimes visit more than once within the 15 days. With the use of traditional skills and heritage craft, Surajkund Craft Mela is a display of colors, craft, art and tradition, tribal music and scrumptious foodstuff that would leave you craving for more. Celebrated no less than any festival, the core motive behind it is to promote the talent and culture of local artisans in the country. It is an attractive and wonderful opportunity for us to get know different cultures better.
I’ve been going here every year since I was a kid. First, because it’s super close to where I live, and second, that I love going here again and again. This place makes me happy!
Situated right on the Delhi- Haryana border amongst the stony hills and lush green landscape, this historical place has a beautiful artificial lake and an ancient kund.
But it only comes to life from 1st to 15th February every year when the Mela takes place.
After entering through the giant big gate, you’ll start seeing these stalls looking like traditional mud huts thatched with straw roofs typical in the states of Jharkhand and Chattisgarh. There are separate sections for all the states and countries, which makes it easier if you want to see the crafts of a particular place. The shops are clean and well organized, marked with the numbers, which makes it easier to locate a particular shop if you visit the same again.
Each year the Surajkund Mela works around a specific theme based on a state of India, which also inspires the fairs architectural layout, spirit, and decor. This way, the Mela provides the Theme State a rare opportunity to showcase its handicrafts, handlooms, architecture, performing arts, cuisine, and its tourist potential to an enormous cross-section of the population in an impressive manner. So much so that the whole theme, right from the entire look of the entrance and the grounds, and the whole setting of the furniture, colours, decor, down to the architecture of the fair is based entirely on that particular state..
From handicrafts to textiles, carpets to wall hangings, fragrant soaps to organically grown spices, there’s nothing you can’t buy at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela. There’s just so much variety! Jewellery, shoes, decorated utensils, terracota items, artificial flowers, wall hangings, and the list goes on.
Apart from the shopping stalls, it also has big food courts at different places selling mouth watering delicacies of different states – both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Do try the Tandoori Chai, Jaleba, Rajathani and Gujarati dishes.
Offering travelers the chance to indulge in varied delicious delicacies of different states and regions, the various food stalls and the enormous Food Court of Surajkund Mela are sure to take you on a gastronomical joyride. From the Begun Bhajas of Kolkata, Sarso Da Saag of Punjab, Litti Chokha of Bihar, Sambhar Vada of South India, Dum Aloo of Kashmir, to Momos and Thukpa of Nagaland, Surajkund Mela has something to satisfy everyone’s tummy!
The Mela has Chaupals spread across the venue where throughout the day there are folk performances from every region.
There’s a separate Amusement Park just at the entry. From Ferris Wheel, Bungee Jumping, to video games, there are a plethora of options for kids and youngsters to indulge in at this fun section so that you can explore the mela peacefully while your little ones have the time of their lives!
All in all, the Surajkund Mela is a delightful experience that captures the essence of rustic India beautifully and magnifies the cultural amalgamation of diverse traditions in the world.
TIMINGS AND TICKETS:
The Mela is on from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM every day from 1st to 16th February.
Price: The ticket price ranges from INR 100/- to 200/- as per the demand.
Ticket Price during Weekdays: 120/-
Ticket Price during Weekends: 180/-
Availability: Tickets for the Surajkund International Crafts Fair are easily available on all major online booking platforms and even at the venue.
Discounts: Every year the committee introduces new discount options for its visitors, however, these are some standard rebates launched by the Haryana Government. A 50% rebate on the entry ticket amount on weekdays for school and college students with a valid ID card.A 50% discount on the entry ticket amount for senior citizens, differently-abled and soldiers
How to Reach:
One can easily reach Surajkund by Metro, Road, Air and Train depending upon where you live.
By Air: If you are visiting Surajkund Mela from outside Delhi or NCR then, the nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi and from where Surajkund is just 25 km away (around 1 hour 15 mins). You can hire a cab or auto.
By Train : New Delhi (NDLS) or Hazrat Nizamuddin (HNZM) are the nearest railway stations to reach Surajkund. Once you reach the railway junction, the city is well connected to Faridabad and Gurgaon. You can take a local train or even the Delhi metro to reach Surajkund.
By Road: Surajkund is well-connected to Delhi, Gurugram and Faridabad by metalled road approachable by one’s own or hired conveyance.
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