39th Surajkund International Craft Festival Inaugurated: A Cultural Extravaganza
Surajkund International Craft Festival 2026 commences, promoting local crafts globally.
Photo by Yazid N
The 39th Surajkund International Craft Festival was inaugurated on January 31, 2026, in Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana. The event aims to promote local crafts on a global scale, embodying the spirit of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India). Sh.
C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Vice-President of India, was the chief guest. Sh.
Nayab Singh Saini, Chief Minister of Haryana, was the guest of honor. Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma, Minister of Heritage & Tourism, Haryana, was also present.
Egypt is the partner country, while Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya are the theme states.
Key Facts
Event: 39th Surajkund International Craft Festival
Date: January 31, 2026
Location: Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana
Partner Country: Egypt
Theme States: Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 1: Art and Culture, GS Paper 2: Government Policies and Interventions
Connects to the syllabus through the promotion of Indian art and culture, tourism, and international relations
Potential question types: Statement-based, Match the following, Analytical questions on the impact of such festivals
Visual Insights
Surajkund International Crafts Mela: Partner Country and Theme States
This map highlights the location of the Surajkund Crafts Mela, the partner country (Egypt), and the theme states (Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya) for the 39th edition in 2026.
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More Information
Background
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela has its roots in the early 1980s, conceived as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts of India. The initial aim was to promote tourism in Haryana and provide a direct market for artisans, cutting out middlemen and ensuring fair prices for their creations. Over the years, the Mela has evolved from a regional event to an international gathering, attracting participants from SAARC nations and beyond.
The introduction of the 'Theme State' concept further enriched the Mela, allowing for a deeper exploration of the art, culture, and cuisine of a specific region within India. This evolution reflects India's growing emphasis on cultural diplomacy and the promotion of its soft power on the global stage.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Surajkund Mela has increasingly focused on digital integration and sustainability. Efforts have been made to promote cashless transactions and online marketing for artisans, enabling them to reach a wider audience beyond the physical event. There's also a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices, such as waste management and the use of sustainable materials in crafts.
Looking ahead, the Mela is expected to further leverage technology to enhance the visitor experience and provide more opportunities for artisans to connect with buyers and collaborators worldwide. The focus is also shifting towards skill development and capacity building for artisans, ensuring the preservation and evolution of traditional crafts in the face of globalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main aim of the Surajkund International Craft Festival?
The main aim of the Surajkund International Craft Festival is to promote local crafts on a global scale, embodying the spirit of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India). It provides a platform for artisans to showcase their skills and products.
2. When was the 39th Surajkund International Craft Festival inaugurated?
The 39th Surajkund International Craft Festival was inaugurated on January 31, 2026.
3. Which are the theme states for the 39th Surajkund International Craft Festival?
The theme states for the 39th Surajkund International Craft Festival are Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya.
4. Which country is the partner country for the 39th Surajkund International Craft Festival?
Egypt is the partner country for the 39th Surajkund International Craft Festival.
5. Why is the Surajkund International Craft Festival important in the context of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'?
The festival promotes local crafts globally, providing artisans with a platform to showcase their products and skills. This aligns with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative by encouraging self-reliance and promoting Indian heritage.
6. How does the Surajkund International Craft Festival benefit common citizens?
The festival provides access to a wide variety of traditional crafts and cultural experiences. It also supports local artisans, contributing to economic growth and cultural preservation.
7. What are some recent developments related to the Surajkund International Craft Festival?
Recent developments include digital integration to promote cashless transactions and online marketing for artisans. There's also a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices, such as waste management and the use of sustainable materials.
8. What is the historical background of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela?
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela was conceived in the early 1980s to showcase the cultural heritage and traditional crafts of India. It aimed to promote tourism in Haryana and provide a direct market for artisans.
9. What are the key facts about the Surajkund International Craft Festival that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?
For UPSC Prelims, remember the following: the event's name, location (Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana), inauguration date (January 31, 2026), partner country (Egypt), and theme states (Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya). Also, keep in mind that it promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat by showcasing local crafts.
Exam Tip
Focus on the location, date, partner country, and theme states for Prelims MCQs.
10. What initiatives has the government taken to promote the Surajkund International Craft Festival?
As per the provided information, the government has focused on digital integration and sustainability, promoting cashless transactions and online marketing for artisans, along with eco-friendly practices.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Surajkund International Crafts Mela: 1. The Mela is organized annually by the Haryana Tourism Department in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Tourism. 2. The 'Theme State' concept was introduced to showcase the art, culture, and cuisine of a specific region within India. 3. The primary objective of the Mela is to promote international trade relations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Surajkund Mela is indeed organized by the Haryana Tourism Department in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, and External Affairs. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The 'Theme State' concept is a key feature of the Mela, allowing for an in-depth exploration of a specific region's art, culture, and cuisine. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: While the Mela does attract international participants, its primary objective is to promote Indian handicrafts and cultural heritage, not primarily international trade relations. The focus is on providing a platform for artisans to showcase their skills and sell their products directly to consumers.
2. With reference to the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, consider the following: I. It provides a platform for artisans from SAARC nations and beyond. II. It exclusively promotes crafts made using only traditional methods, discouraging modern innovations. III. The Vice-President of India inaugurated the 39th edition in 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.I and III only
- B.II only
- C.I and II only
- D.I, II and III
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement I is CORRECT: The Surajkund Mela attracts artisans from SAARC nations and other countries, providing them with an international platform. Statement II is INCORRECT: While the Mela emphasizes traditional crafts, it also embraces modern innovations and adaptations in craftsmanship. Statement III is CORRECT: As per the provided information, the Vice-President of India inaugurated the 39th edition of the Mela in 2026.
3. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the historical evolution of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela? A) It started as a purely international trade fair and gradually incorporated cultural elements. B) It originated as a regional event to promote tourism and local crafts in Haryana. C) It was established by the Union Ministry of Culture to showcase classical Indian art forms. D) It has always been primarily focused on promoting crafts from European countries.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: B
Option B is the correct answer. The Surajkund International Crafts Mela originated as a regional event with the primary goal of promoting tourism in Haryana and providing a platform for local artisans to showcase and sell their crafts. Over time, it evolved into an international event, but its initial focus was on regional promotion.