Surajkund Mela History, Hidden Gems, Best Time to Visit and Photography
Located at
Faridabaad
Haryana
Brief Description
The Surajkund Mela is an annual international handicrafts fair held in Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana. Organized by the Haryana Tourism Department in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, and External Affairs, this festival showcases handicrafts, handlooms, folk art, and culture from across India and other participating countries. The fair takes place in February every year, drawing visitors from all over the world for its vibrant atmosphere, cultural performances, delicious cuisine, and unique handmade products.
Long Description
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela is one of India”s most celebrated cultural festivals, promoting indigenous crafts, folk traditions, and heritage tourism. It takes place in the scenic Surajkund Lake complex, offering a mesmerizing blend of art, music, dance, and cuisine. Every year, a theme state is chosen to highlight its unique cultural identity, crafts, and heritage.
The mela hosts over 1,000 artisans from across India and international participants from countries like Thailand, Egypt, Turkey, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Russia. Visitors can explore a wide variety of handmade products, including:
- Intricate handlooms (Banarasi, Kanjeevaram, Pashmina, etc.)
- Traditional paintings (Madhubani, Pattachitra, Warli, etc.)
- Brassware, pottery, and woodwork
- Jewelry, carpets, and leather goods
The festival also features folk dances, musical performances, puppet shows, and workshops, offering a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.
History
- The first Surajkund Mela was organized in 1987 by Haryana Tourism to promote Indian handicrafts and folk arts.
- Over the years, it has grown into an international event, attracting artisans and visitors from more than 20 countries.
- The fair is named after the Surajkund reservoir, built in the 10th century by King Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty.
- In 2013, it was given international status, making it one of the largest craft fairs in the world.
Best Time to Visit
- The mela is held annually in February (usually from 1st to 15th February).
- The best time to visit is on weekdays (Monday to Friday) to avoid large crowds.
- Mornings (10:30 AM - 1:00 PM) offer a less crowded experience, while evenings (4:00 PM onwards) feature cultural performances and folk dances.
Things to Do & Attractions at Surajkund Mela
Explore Handicrafts & Handlooms – Discover unique handmade items, textiles, and souvenirs.
Watch Cultural Performances – Enjoy folk dances, music, and theater performances from different states and countries.
Try Traditional Indian Cuisine – Savor delicious regional food from across India.
Engage in Live Art & Craft Demonstrations – Learn pottery, embroidery, and painting from skilled artisans.
Shop for Unique Art Pieces – Buy rare tribal and folk artworks from talented craftsmen.
Attend Thematic Workshops & Seminars – Participate in sessions on handicrafts, sustainability, and folk traditions.
Take a Heritage Walk – Explore the historical Surajkund reservoir nearby.
Nearest Attractions
1 Surajkund Lake (0.5 km) – A historic 10th-century reservoir surrounded by lush greenery.
2 Badkhal Lake (6 km) – A scenic artificial lake perfect for picnics.
3 ISKCON Temple, Faridabad (7 km) – A beautiful Krishna temple.
4 Lotus Temple (15 km) – A famous Baha”i House of Worship.
5 Qutub Minar (18 km) – UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photography Tips
Best Spots – Handicraft stalls, folk dancers, and the colorful entrance gates.
Golden Hour – Visit in the morning (10:30 AM) or evening (4:00-6:00 PM) for the best lighting.
Candid Shots – Capture artisans at work, vibrant costumes, and cultural performances.
Entry Fee & Timings
Timings – 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM daily.
Entry Fee –
- Weekdays (Monday to Friday): ?120 per person
- Weekends (Saturday & Sunday): ?180 per person
- Students & Senior Citizens – Discounts available with valid ID.
Safety Tips
Keep your belongings secure (Beware of pickpockets).
Carry cash & digital payment options, as some stalls may not accept cards.
Wear comfortable shoes for long walks.
Stay hydrated and carry a water bottle.
Follow COVID-19 guidelines (if applicable).
Beware of overpriced items – bargaining is recommended.
Famous Food at Surajkund Mela
The mela offers a variety of regional Indian and international delicacies, including:
Chhole Bhature (Delhi) – Spicy chickpeas with deep-fried bread.
Dhokla & Fafda (Gujarat) – Steamed savory cakes and crispy snacks.
Makki di Roti & Sarson da Saag (Punjab) – Mustard greens curry with cornflatbread.
Litti Chokha (Bihar) – Roasted wheat balls with mashed potatoes.
Rajasthani Dal Baati Churma – Baked wheat balls with lentils and sweet crumbs.
Momos & Thukpa (Northeast) – Tibetan dumplings and noodle soup.
Kashmiri Rogan Josh – Spiced lamb curry.
International food stalls offer Thai, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and continental dishes.
How to Reach Surajkund Mela
Location – Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana, near Delhi.
By Metro
- Nearest Metro Stations:
- Badarpur Metro Station (Violet Line) – 6 km
- Sarai Metro Station (Violet Line) – 7 km
- Take an auto-rickshaw/taxi from the metro station.
By Road
- Well-connected via Delhi-Faridabad-Gurgaon Road.
- Direct cabs, autos, and buses are available.
- Buses from Delhi, Gurgaon, and Faridabad stop near the venue.
By Air
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) – 25 km
- Take a cab or metro to reach the mela.
ATMs & Banking Facilities
- Multiple ATM kiosks are set up inside the mela.
- Nearby banks include HDFC, SBI, ICICI, and PNB.
- Most stalls accept UPI payments, Paytm, Google Pay, and cards.
Parking Facilities
Dedicated parking available near the entrance.
Separate parking areas for VIPs, general visitors, and handicapped individuals.
Paid parking charges range from ?50-?100 per vehicle.
Hotels Nearby
Luxury Hotels
Vivanta Surajkund (5-star, 2 km)
Radisson Blu Faridabad (5-star, 8 km)
The Lalit Mangar (Luxury Eco-Resort, 10 km)
Mid-Range Hotels
Ginger Faridabad (3-star, 6 km)
Goldfinch Hotel Faridabad (3-star, 7 km)
Budget Hotels & Homestays
Hotel Delite Grand (2-star, 5 km)
OYO Hotels & Guest Houses – Multiple options nearby.
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