Surajkund mela to be celebrated as ‘Shilp Mahakumbh’ this year

The 38th International Surajkund Crafts Fair, set to take place from February 7 to 23, will be celebrated as ‘Shilp Mahakumbh’, a grand confluence of artisans on the lines of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Craftsmen from across the world will showcase their artistic creations, making it a major international cultural event.

Announcing this, Haryana’s Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr Arvind Sharma said preparations for the festival were in full swing. “The fair will attract a large number of art lovers from across the country and the world,” he said.

Union Tourism Minister Gajender Singh Shekhawat will inaugurate the fair on February 7, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has been invited as the chief guest for the closing ceremony on February 23.

Dr Sharma, who reviewed the preparations with officials from the Tourism Department and district administration, emphasised the fair’s significance. “As the world’s largest craft fair, Surajkund Mela has become a symbol of India’s dominance in the field of art and culture. Haryana has played a pivotal role in preserving its cultural and historical heritage through such events,” he said.

He further said both the state and Central governments have been actively involved in promoting and preserving Indian traditions. “The entire event has been fully digitised and ticketing, along with stall booking, will be conducted online,” he added.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been designated as the ticketing partner for the event. Odisha and Madhya Pradesh will be the theme states, while the BIMSTEC nations —Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand — have been chosen as the partner countries. Additionally, the North East Handloom and Handicraft Association has been designated as the cultural partner for the 17-day-long festival.

Haryana Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rajesh Nagar was also present at the review meeting.