39th Surajkund Mela Highlights Power of Self-Reliant Indian Artisans

39th Surajkund Mela Highlights Power of Self-Reliant Indian Artisans

Why in News? 

The 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad celebrates India’s self-reliant artisans by showcasing their traditional handicrafts, handlooms, and cultural heritage to visitors from across India and abroad, highlighting “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026

• Venue: The 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela (SICM) is being held at the Surajkund Mela Grounds in Faridabad, Haryana.
• Inauguration: The mela was formally inaugurated on January 31, 2026, by the Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in attendance.
• Origin: The Surajkund Crafts Mela began in 1987, conceived to celebrate India’s craft heritage and to preserve traditional skills. It was upgraded to an international level in 2013 owing to its growing global appeal.
• Launch: In the inauguration ceremony  VP launched the Mela Saathi mobile app to assist visitors with navigation and information.
• Theme: The central theme for this edition is “Local to Global – Atmanirbhar Bharat”, emphasizing the promotion of local artisans and traditional crafts on international platforms.
• Partner Country: This year’s Partner Country is Egypt, bringing a global flavour to the fair with international stalls, cultural showcases, and cross-cultural engagements.
• Theme States: The Theme States for 2026 are Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya, with specially curated pavilions from these states, including initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP) in Uttar Pradesh.
• Features: The mela features over 1,200 stalls, including multiple international exhibits, daily folk performances, music, traditional cuisine courts, cultural programmes at multiple chaupals (open-air stages), enhanced lighting, visitor infrastructure, and interactive experiences.
  • Artisans and weavers from 20 states displayed an extensive range of handicrafts and handlooms, including textiles (silk, cotton, wool), paintings, woodwork, pottery, terracotta, stone carvings, lacquerware, cane & grass products — reflecting the rich diversity of Indian crafts. 

Handicrafts and Traditional Art Forms Showcased at 39th SICM 2026

• Uttar Pradesh: As a theme state, Uttar Pradesh presented its traditional masterpieces: Firozabad’s glass bangles, Kannauj’s attar perfumes, Azamgarh and Khurja pottery, Bhadohi hand-tufted carpets, and exquisite Chikankari & Zardozi embroidered textiles from Lucknow and Varanasi.
• Meghalaya & North-Eastern Traditions: Meghalaya, also a theme state in 2026, showcased its indigenous crafts such as handwoven tribal textiles, bead jewellery, bamboo and cane artefacts, and ethnic handicrafts rooted in tribal heritage, often crafted using natural materials and age-old techniques.
• Textiles & Embroidery: Across India, visitors explored an array of textiles including Kalamkari, Phulkari, Banarasi silks, Pashmina shawls, and regional embroidery traditions incorporated into gowns, stoles, cushion covers, and wall hangings — embodying centuries-old craftsmanship.
• Metal, Wood & Terracotta Crafts: Visitors encountered metal craftwork like brass lamps, bells, figurines, and wood handicrafts comprising carved toys, trays, boxes and decorative pieces. Terracotta pottery — including planters, lamps and decorative pots — highlighted earthy, traditional firing techniques.
• Eco-Friendly & Folk Art Creations: An important feature was the eco-friendly craft section, with bamboo, cane, jute and grass products such as baskets, mats, lamp shades, bags and utility items. Folk paintings (depicting rural scenes, mythology and nature themes) and handmade toys and miniatures provided popular cultural souvenirs.
• Cultural Cuisine: The mela’s multi-cuisine food court offered regional culinary specialties from many states (e.g., Manipur fish, Arunachal snacks, Meghalaya soups, Lucknow biryani) blending craft with cuisine, adding to the vibrant cultural experience.

Significance of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela

• Support to Artisans, MSMEs & Self-Help Groups: The Surajkund Mela provides a direct platform to traditional artisans, craftsmen, MSMEs, and self-help groups (SHGs) to exhibit and sell their handcrafted products, eliminating middlemen and increasing profits. It empowers rural producers, enhances their visibility, and helps preserve indigenous craft traditions, aligning with PM Vishwakarma Yojana goals. 
• Economic Impact & Tourism Boost: As one of the largest craft fairs in the world, attracting over a million visitors including foreign tourists, Surajkund significantly stimulates tourism revenue, hospitality, transportation, and local businesses in Haryana and the broader NCR region, contributing to regional economic growth.
• Market Linkages & Buyer-Seller Platform: The Mela creates robust market linkages, enabling artisans to interact directly with buyers, exporters, and industry stakeholders. It facilitates business networking, commercial deals, and opportunities for long-term partnerships, expanding market reach domestically and internationally.
• Cultural Diplomacy and International Outreach: Surajkund acts as a cultural diplomacy platform that strengthens people-to-people ties and projects India’s soft power globally. It fosters cultural exchange programs, mutual appreciation of heritage, and India’s global outreach under the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.