A unique International craft festival, the Surajkund Mela 2024 is a platform for artists across the globe to showcase their culture and talent. Hosted annually by the Haryana Tourism Department in Surajkund, the mela has many offbeat attractions for tourists of every age. Over 20 countries from South Asia, Africa, and Europe actively participate in making this fair a huge success. Surajkund, meaning 'Lake of the Sun', is an ancient reservoir that was built by King Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty in the 10th century. Faridabad in Haryana, saw no tourism until it began hosting the 'Surajkund International Craft Mela'.
Surajkund Mela 2024 Dates
In 2024, the festivities last a fortnight from 2nd February, Friday to 18th February, Sunday, engaging visitors in traditional folk dances, musical shows, and even puppet skits.
Surajkund Mela 2024 Timings
The Mela is on from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day
Surajkund Mela 2024 Ticket Price
Price: The ticket price ranges from INR 100/- to 200/- as per the demand.
Ticket Price during Weekdays: INR 120/-
Ticket Price during Weekends: INR 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.
Travel: The mela has ample parking space for tourist vehicles. There are golf carts and e-rickshaws also available on request that will take you around the festival premise and parking area. Facilities like e-toilets for males and females and clean drinking water filters are installed at regular intervals within the mela grounds.
About Surajkund Mela
Set idyllically amidst Lakkarpur and Baharpur village lays the picturesque Surajkund village near Faridabad. A dash of colour, tempo of the music and flawless craftsmanship aptly capture the essence of this beguiling fair. Celebrated no less than any festival, the core motive behind it is to promote the talent and culture of local artisans in our country. In a world where machines are replacing humans faster than before, this little initiative by the Haryana government nurtures rural craftsmanship and boosts the export of local handlooms.
The bucolic aura of the mela creates a captivating spell for travellers who visit India from different parts of the globe. Each year the Surajkund Mela works around a specific theme based on a state of India, which also inspires the fair's architectural layout, spirit, and decor. The beauty of this concept is to very intricately accentuate the rich cultural heritage of India and boost the morale of local craftsmen to continue their waning flair of handmade merchandise.
The Theme of Surajkund Mela 2024
Each year the organizing committee picks a theme state. The motive behind this step is to accentuate India's diverse cultural history and make it more prominent among other nations. In 2019, the theme state for the mela was Maharashtra and the theme state for the year 2020 was Himachal Pradesh. In 2024, the theme state for the mela has not yet been decided.
Highlights of Surajkund Mela
India is a blend of vibrant cultures that are skillfully showcased at the Surajkund Mela. Along with partner nations, the organizers invigorate the mood of its visitors with scrumptious ethnic dishes, affordable colour-popping paintings, antique stone sculptures and fun rides to keep even the little ones busy. The profusion of so many elements elevates the fervour of the mela making it an unforgettable experience. Apart from trying delicious rural cuisines and shopping for local art, one can also indulge in some scintillating folk dance and music shows at the open-air theatre.
A cultural ethos, the Surajkund Mela, offers a stunning insight into the historical background and traditional beauty of hidden India. Each state exposes a part of their culture at the Mela, providing an aesthetic indulgence for both Indian and foreign tourists. If you are looking out for a rustic experience that celebrates both indigenous talent and the candid culture of locals, the Surajkund Mela should be on your bucket list.
How to Reach the Surajkund Mela?
A unique festival hosted in the famous Faridabad district of Haryana, Surajkund is well connected by all means of transport. The nearest metropolitan city near Surajkund is New Delhi. Just 8 km from South Delhi, one has multiple travel options based on their budget.By Road
If you are driving down from another state, the National Highway is a well-made 4-lane road, with plenty of eateries offering dishes like Chola kulcha and paranthas. A comfortable drive, Surajkund is well connected to Delhi, Faridabad and Gurgaon. You can opt for a tourist taxi or even drive your personal vehicle as the mela area has adequate parking space.By Rail
New Delhi (NDLS) is the nearest railway station 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.Metro: If you are already in Delhi and plan to travel to Surajkund from there, the Delhi Metro is an excellent mode of transport for you. Take the metro from Central Secretariat to Badarpur via Sarita Vihar and Mohan estate. Badarpur is the nearest metro station for the mela. There are plenty of prominent route maps at all metro stations in both English and Hindi for outstation travellers.
By Air
An easy and hassle-free mode of commute, Surajkund is just a 35-minute drive from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and 25 km from Palam Airport.
Where to Stay?
A festival of this magnitude requires some prior planning as the host city entertains guests from across the globe. While there are plenty of resorts in and around the area of Surajkund, booking early might land you some good deals. Some of the best options are the Aravalli Golf Course resort in Faridabad, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary in Gurgaon and the Taj Palace in New Delhi; you can pick a hotel based on your budget and desire to commute every day.
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.