Surajkund Mela 2026 is one of India’s most celebrated cultural festivals — a place where traditional art meets festive fervour, and handicrafts, textiles, folk music, dance, and regional cuisine come alive. This year’s edition promises even richer experiences, making it a must-visit event for travellers, culture lovers, families, and craft collectors.
In this guide, you’ll find Surajkund Mela 2026 dates, ticket details, what to see and do, tips on the best time to visit, travel info, and local insights – all in one place.
What Is Surajkund Mela 2026?
At its heart, Surajkund Mela 2026 is a cultural celebration: an international crafts fair held every year in early February in Faridabad, Haryana, near Delhi. Organised by Haryana Tourism with support from central ministries, the mela showcases India’s rich handicrafts and handlooms, along with global art forms, regional performances, and culinary delights.
Surajkund Mela is recognised as one of the largest crafts fairs in the world, with over a thousand stalls and performances every day.
Surajkund Mela 2026 Dates & Duration
Here are the official details for this year’s festival:
Dates: 31 January – 15 February 2026
Timings: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM daily
Edition: 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela
Over the 15-day duration, visitors can explore stalls, watch cultural shows, and enjoy food from across India and abroad.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Year’s Mela
Each edition of the Surajkund crafts mela 2026 celebrates India’s diversity in art and culture. This year’s highlight themes include:
Theme State: Uttar Pradesh — showcasing iconic crafts like zardozi, chikankari, carpet weaving, pottery, and rich culinary traditions from Lucknow and Varanasi.
Partner Nation: Egypt — presenting its heritage through art, cultural displays, and pavilion setups inspired by the Pyramids and markets of Cairo.
A rich calendar of folk performances, music, art installations, and street theatre across the mela grounds.
Surajkund Mela 2026 Tickets & Entry Price
Planning your budget? Here’s a clear breakdown of ticket pricing based on recent official data and ongoing trends:
Ticket Prices (Expected)
Ticket Type
Price (INR)
Weekday
₹120 per person
Weekend
₹180 per person
Students & Senior Citizens
Discounts available with valid ID*
*Discounts are generally offered on-site and vary depending on verification.
Note: Children under a certain age often enter free (check at the gate when you arrive).
Where & How to Buy Tickets
Online via the DMRC mobile app (preferred for fast entry)
At selected Delhi Metro stations during February
At on-site ticket counters at the Surajkund Mela venue
Tip: Booking early online helps avoid queues and guarantees entry on high-footfall days.
Best Time to Visit Surajkund Mela 2026
While the mela runs from late January to mid-February, choosing the right dates and time of day can make all the difference for your festival experience.
Best Days to Visit
Weekdays (Mon–Fri): Lighter crowds, easier navigation through stalls.
First Week: Good balance of activities and manageable crowd size.
Mornings to Early Afternoons: Ideal for shopping and exploring crafts.
Evenings: Best for cultural performances and ambience.
Pro Tip: Weekends (especially the middle weekend) attract higher crowds, so plan accordingly if you prefer a relaxed experience.
What to Expect at the Surajkund Crafts Mela 2026
Surajkund is more than an artisan market – it’s a cultural immersion.
Handicrafts & Textiles
Traditional handwoven sarees
Wooden artefacts, pottery, and terracotta
Tribal jewellery and accessories
Exclusive state-pavilion products
Sustainable eco-craft demonstrations
Cultural Performances
Every evening, the mela turns into a cultural stage with:
Folk dances (Bhangra, Ghoomar, Kalbelia)
Classical music recitals
Theatre sketches and community performances
Street performers and art installations
Food & Taste Trails
Regional and international food zones offer:
Local favourites like kebabs, parathas, jalebi, and chaat
South Indian classics and Indo-Chinese twists
Indigenous cuisines from theme states and partner nations
Whether you’re a food lover or a craft enthusiast, there’s something for everyone.
Getting There: Transport & Access Tips
By Metro
The nearest metro stations on the Delhi Metro network are:
Badarpur Border (with direct or shuttle connections)
Nearby stations like Tughlakabad or Sarai for feeder services
Special shuttle bus services from metro stations to the venue are often arranged during mela days.
By Road
Surajkund is well linked via National Highways and local roads. App-based cabs, buses, and private vehicles are all common modes of travel.
By Air
If you’re flying in, Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi is the closest major airport with easy onward connections.
Craft Buying: Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
Start Early: Vendors restock and reset in the mornings – perfect for serious shoppers.
Cash + UPI: Though digital payments are widely accepted, small vendors may prefer cash.
Check Authenticity: Ask artisans about their craft process – many will demo weaving or carving live.
Bargain Smartly: Respect artisans while negotiating – fair prices help sustain crafts.
Surajkund Mela 2026: Insider Tips
Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll walk a lot.
Carry a reusable water bottle; hydration stands are usually available.
Weekday afternoons are best for photography without crowd interference.
Visit state pavilions early – rare craft pieces sell out by late afternoons.
FAQ — People Also Ask
1. When does Surajkund Mela 2026 start and end?
Surajkund Mela 2026 runs from 31 January to 15 February 2026.
2. What are the ticket prices for Surajkund Mela 2026?
Tickets are approximately ₹120 on weekdays and ₹180 on weekends, with discounts for students and senior citizens.
3. Can tickets be bought online?
Yes – tickets can be booked via the DMRC mobile app and at select metro counters.
4. What’s the best time of day to visit?
Early afternoon for shopping; evenings for cultural performances.
Why Surajkund Mela 2026 Is a Must-Visit
Surajkund Mela 2026 is more than a fair or market – it’s a celebration of India’s people, crafts, heritage, and global cultural exchange. From artisan dialogues and live demonstrations to mesmerising performances and foodie trails, the festival creates memorable stories for every visitor.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned mela explorer, aligning your trip with these dates and tips will help you get the most from this iconic cultural festival.
Plan early, stay curious, and make Surajkund Mela 2026 part of your travel story.
My path to writing began in digital marketing, backed by an MBA in marketing and a curiosity for how ideas connect with people. Somewhere between campaigns and posts, I discovered the joy of writing – and the impact words can have beyond numbers. What started as a skill soon turned into a passion for creating content that connects beyond metrics. Today, I bring together strategy and creativity to craft content that informs, feels relevant, and genuinely resonates. Beyond the desk, you’ll find me lost in colors, painting, sketching or simply bringing DIY ideas to life – always looking for new ways to express ideas, on and off the page.
