FARIDABAD: The 39th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela kicked off with vibrant energy in Faridabad, Haryana, drawing a diverse array of global artisans and visitors. Among them was Fathia, an entrepreneur from Djibouti, who barely had a moment to pause on the bustling opening day. Adorned in a striking red headscarf, she represented her small nation off the Gulf of Aden, marking a significant milestone as Djibouti made its debut with a stall at this prestigious event.
A Global Gathering of Artisans
This year's mela, organized by the Haryana government and running until February 15, boasts participation from nearly 700 artisans hailing from over 50 countries. While artists from Djibouti have performed at Surajkund in previous years, 2026 marks the first time they have set up a stall, adding a fresh splash to the kaleidoscope of colors that defines the fair. Organizers anticipate a footfall of 15 to 16 lakh visitors this time, up from 15 lakh last year when 44 countries participated.
Domestic Focus with Atmanirbhar Bharat Theme
In addition to the international flair, the fair has made a strong domestic push, centered on the theme of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). Artisans from across India, including Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Meghalaya, and Karnataka, are showcasing their traditional crafts. Although the opening day saw a relatively thin crowd, footfall is expected to rise steadily over the coming weeks as more visitors flock to experience the cultural extravaganza.
Egypt and Other International Highlights
Egypt, this year's partner country, once again proved to be a major crowd-puller. Its stall featured an array of items such as furniture, lamps, and miniature pyramids, with additions like embroidered bags, clothing, and crocheted toys. Egyptian craftspeople enjoyed an entire dedicated section at the international pavilion, drawing admiration from visitors like Suraj Singh, who finally fulfilled his wish to buy souvenirs after a previous trip to Egypt.
Dayra, an Egyptian artisan selling handmade crochet toys, shared her positive experiences, noting, "I feel Indians are similar to us Egyptians—warm, friendly, and welcoming people who love to talk." This sentiment was echoed by Iskandar from Syria, a businessman in his 50s, who views his yearly trip to Surajkund as a ritual rather than just a business opportunity. He emphasized the warmth and smiles from people, saying, "After so many years, I am not much bothered about making a lot of money. What I love are the smiles I get from people here."
Cultural Connections and Diverse Offerings
Artisans from Turkey returned to the fair with their lamps and ceramics, focusing on business amidst political contexts. Countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan drew steady crowds due to cultural similarities and ease of conversation, while Thailand attracted women with stalls selling hair accessories and bags. On the domestic front, visitors could explore a rich variety of Indian crafts, including:
- Kalamkari sarees from Andhra Pradesh
- Pearls from Hyderabad
- Madhubani paintings from Bihar
- Chikankari kurtis from Lucknow
Culinary and Non-Shopping Attractions
The fair offers an eclectic culinary spread, featuring dishes from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana. For those not interested in shopping, there are recreations of iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza and Hyderabad's Charminar, requiring an entire day to fully explore.
African Representation and Fathia's Herbal Soaps
From Africa, nations such as Malawi, Eswatini, Madagascar, and Tunisia have put their crafts on sale, with an entire section dedicated to showcasing their heritage. Back at Fathia's stall, a painting of a woman with a Palestinian flag in the background drew crowds, but it was her handmade herbal soaps that truly stood out. Having previously traveled to France and other parts of Europe to sell her products, Fathia expressed optimism about doing good business in India, highlighting the fair's role in fostering global trade and cultural exchange.
As the Surajkund International Crafts Mela continues, it promises to be a melting pot of traditions, creativity, and camaraderie, reinforcing its status as a premier event on the global cultural calendar.
