Surajkund Mela 2026: A Celebration of Culture, Crafts, and Colours

Surajkund Mela is not just a fair, it is a living map of India’s crafts, a fortnight when the people from NCR  gather to celebrate regional skills, traditional handlooms and folk performance. The Surajkund Mela is held close to Delhi in Faridabad, offering you a very different experience from the city chaos. The mela brings together thousands of artisans, cultural troupes, and visitors from across India and abroad. The two-week-long mela attracts visitors from across the country, from glass bangles to carpets, pottery to zardozi. It is the place that shows India’s craft diversity in a single experience. This 39th edition is scheduled from 31st January to 15 February 2026, and the theme is Uttar Pradesh for this edition. 

Surajkund Theme for 2026

Uttar Pradesh has been chosen as the theme state for 2026, meaning a concentrated display of UP’s handicrafts, ODOP (One District One Product) items like Firozabad glass bangles, Kannauj perfumes, Bhadohi carpets, Lucknow chikankari, and more. Expect larger-than-usual pavilions, cultural troupes, and curated food zones dedicated to UP’s culinary legacy. The organisers also emphasise eco-friendly décor and digital initiatives this year.

Important Information About Surajkund Mela 2026

• Surajkund 2026 Dates: The fair will be held from 31st January to 15th February 2026.

• Surajkund Mela 2026 Ticket Price: Surajkund Mela tickets are available online and at the venue. Prices vary based on weekdays and weekends and range from ₹120-₹180, with special discounts for students, senior citizens, and differently-abled individuals.

• VIP Entry: There are special passes available for VIP access, providing exclusive benefits like priority entry, guided tours, and premium seating for cultural performances.

• Surajkund Mela Timings: The mela is held every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. These timings may vary slightly depending on the specific day or special events scheduled. 

• Organiser: Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of External Affairs, ICCR and Government of Haryana.

• Partner Country: Egypt

Surajkund Mela 2026: Daily Cultural Events Schedule

Here are the complete details about the Surajkund Mela 2026, including all events of the 2-week programme. This Uttar Pradesh-based theme Mela highlights some major programmes:- 

Important Note

• Final artist names and exact performance timings are usually announced closer to the event by the organisers.

• Programmes may vary slightly due to weather, security protocols, or special guest appearances.

How to Reach Surajkund Mela

Reaching Surajkund Mela is not a tough task; you have options to suit whatever, take buses, book cabs, or even drive yourself to reach Surajkund Mela 2026. Just pick your favourite way to roll, and you are good to go.

By Air: Once you arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, which is about 35 km away. Book a cab from outside the airport, and it will barely take half an hour to reach the Surajkund fair. 

By Train: Faridabad Railway Station is the nearest railway station, which is about 8-10 km away from the destination. Buses and local transport are easily available for further destinations.

By Metro: The Badarpur metro is the nearest station to the Surajkund mela. Sharing auto rickshaws available outside the metro station, which cost 10-20 rupees to reach the destination.  

By Road: Take the highways through Delhi and Haryana to reach Surajkund, choosing from buses, taxis, or your own ride.

Highlights of the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026

Surajkund Mela invites people from the NCR and across the nation to participate in various cultural activities, folk performances, and enjoy the annual fair.

1. Handicrafts and Handlooms – This mela is known as Surajkund Handicraft Fair because it is a major platform for traditional handicrafts, fabrics, and weaving. You will find cool things like pottery, wooden items, shiny jewellery, and artwork. It's a chance for crafters to show off and sell their cool creations right to the folks.

2. Cultural Performances – The fair rocks with folk dances, tunes, and plays from all over India and other countries take part, turning it into a melting pot of traditions. You get to check out awesome live shows, including Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Bhangra, Kalbelia, and bunch of other classic dances.

3. Culinary Delights – Guests get to savour variety of mouthwatering meals from across India, like the Rajasthani dal baati churma, Punjabi chole bhature, and sweets from Bengal. You'll also find international booths serving dishes from around the world, promising a foodie's journey of tastes.

4. Workshops and Live Demonstrations – Craftsmen show off their skills and run activities where folks can get involved, to see first-hand how cool and complex crafts are made. Whether it’s throwing clay on a wheel or stamping designs on fabric, people get into the swing of things with these creative skills.

5. Adventure and Fun Times – The festival is packed with exciting stuff like camel rides, sessions for crafting pottery, and spots just for kids to have fun. They have got special zones where you can catch puppet acts, watch magicians do their thing, and listen to folks tell cool traditional tales to keep everyone happy.

6. Worldwide Crew – Lots of countries show up at this market to show off their cool handiwork and ways of life taking this event to a whole other level. There have been times when places such as Egypt, Thailand, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan came to share their skills in arts and customs, giving everybody a peek into stuff from all over the globe.

7. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Initiatives – The Surajkund Mela put big focus on being sustainable. It backs eco-friendly actions like going for biodegradable stuff, having areas with no plastic, and pushing for products that are organic and made by hand.

Places to Visit Near Surajkund Mela

If you wanna see more stuff after the fair, there are some cool spots close that you can explore. 

• Badkhal Lake: A charming spot in Faridabad known for picnic fun and quality time with family.

• Tughlaqabad Fort: It is one of the masterpieces of ancient architecture, reminding Delhi of its old times.

• ISKCON Temple: Faridabad: It's a calm place for some soul searching.

• Surajkund Lake: If you are a nature lover, this peaceful place is for you.

• Sultanpur National Park: Bird enthusiasts will love the mix of birds passing through here.

• Qutub Minar: Can't miss this historic spot if you're near Delhi.

• Parson Mandir: Widely famous for its waterfalls attraction

• Shri Sidhdata Ashram: A powerful spiritual place in Faridabad.

Travel Tips for Surajkund Mela

Here are a few tips you should you know before visiting Surajkund mela–

• Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds

• Start early to explore stalls comfortably

• Check the cultural event schedule at the entry

• Spend time at the Theme State pavilion

• Watch live craft demonstrations by artisans

• Carry some cash for shopping

• Try regional food during off-peak hours

• Wear comfortable footwear for walking

• Respect local artists and traditions

Conclusion

Surajkund is more than a marketplace; it is an annual fair that is a concentrated celebration of regional identities expressed through craft, performance, and food. The Surajkund mela, each year, gives a chance to hundreds of small craft communities to get a national stage, and visitors get a chance to understand India’s cultural variety beyond Instagram-ready images. This 39th edition of Surajkund supports livelihoods, preserves skills, and gives travellers a rare hands-on way to connect with makers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Surajkund Mela 2026?

The Surajkund Mela Location is Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana and is around 8 km away from South Delhi. 

2. Which metro station is near to Surajkund Mela?

The nearest metro station is Badarpur Metro Station on the Violet Line of the Delhi Metro. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or cab to reach the venue.

3. Is Surajkund Mela parking available near the venue?

Yes, dedicated parking is available near the venue. But the availability is limited, so try to reach there early.

4. What are the Surajkund Mela ticket prices?

Ticket prices vary based on weekdays and weekends, mainly ranging from Rs 120-180, with discounts available for students, senior citizens, and differently-abled visitors.