The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela opened with vibrant celebrations in Faridabad’s Surajkund, drawing artisans, cultural enthusiasts, and visitors from across India and the world. Inaugurated by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the event serves as a grand showcase of India’s rich artistic heritage and unity in diversity. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, along with several other dignitaries, attended the inauguration, reinforcing the significance of this annual festival.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Shekhawat highlighted India’s growing global prominence, especially in cultural and economic spheres. He emphasized that the Surajkund Mela is not merely a marketplace but a significant platform where artisans and craftsmen can present their traditional skills to a larger audience. He linked the fair to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat, which aims to strengthen national unity through cultural exchange. According to the minister, India has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past decade, shedding its old image of poverty and underdevelopment. He credited various welfare initiatives for lifting 25 crore people out of poverty and positioning India as the fastest-growing economy in the world.
Shekhawat also spoke about the rise of the “Orange Economy,” a term used globally to recognize the contribution of cultural and creative industries. He expressed confidence that the Surajkund Mela would open new avenues for Indian artisans, helping them reach wider markets both domestically and internationally. Additionally, he pointed out the booming tourism industry, with India witnessing a surge in both domestic and international travelers.
The minister also underscored Haryana’s strategic advantage due to its proximity to Delhi and its potential to become a major hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. He urged the state government to leverage this opportunity and suggested harnessing digital marketing by engaging YouTubers, photographers, and social media influencers to amplify the fair’s global reach.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini echoed these sentiments, describing the Surajkund Mela as not just a hallmark of Haryana but a reflection of India’s cultural identity and spirit of global brotherhood. He underscored the fair’s role in embodying the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family), as it welcomes artisans and visitors from different corners of the globe. He extended his best wishes to all the stakeholders, including the Haryana Tourism Department, the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Surajkund Mela Authority, for their efforts in organizing this grand event.
Running from February 7 to February 23, the Surajkund International Crafts Mela promises an extraordinary display of craftsmanship, traditions, and cultural exchange. As India continues to embrace its heritage while marching toward progress, events like these reinforce the nation’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich artistic legacy.
